Arkansas: General Assembly Adjournment Marks Significant Pro-Gun Advances in the Natural State

Last week, the Arkansas General Assembly adjourned after passing significant pro-gun reforms that will positively impact responsible gun owners and sportsmen in the Natural State.  Thanks to the overwhelming support of state legislators for passing these measures, and for Governor Mike Beebe (D) and Lieutenant Governor Mark Darr (R) for signing these bills into law, the following new laws will reform Arkansas’s gun laws in the following ways:

The following new laws take effect on July 17:

Act 226 removes the absolute prohibition on Concealed Handgun Carry License (CHCL) holders carrying into the buildings of a public university, public college, private university, private college or community college.  Since the absolute prohibition was removed, these institutions can now establish their own restrictions on CHCL holders, and allow concealed carry if they choose.

Act 507 protects lawful firearm retailers from illegal gun sting operations such as those orchestrated by billionaire New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg.  Anti-gun extremist Bloomberg has sent hired agents into other states to attempt deceptive illegal firearm purchases in an effort to blame federally licensed firearm retailers for gun crimes in New York City and around the country.

Act 547 prohibits any Arkansas Governor from imposing restrictions on the transfer or transportation of lawfully possessed firearms during a declared State of Emergency.

Act 1089 establishes that Arkansas must recognize any valid Right-to-Carry permit issued by another state and replaces the current conditional reciprocity standard.

Act 1390 addresses places of worship that also have a private school (grades K-12) on the same property.  Because Arkansas law prohibits CHCL holders from carrying their personal protection firearms onto any school property, Act 1390 is necessary to create an exemption for those properties that have the dual function of acting as both a house of worship as well as a private school.   This is in response to the recently enacted Act 67.

The following new laws are already in effect:

Act 67 removes the absolute prohibition on concealed handgun carry license (CHCL) holders from carrying a concealed firearm for personal protection into any church or other place of worship.  Churches and other places of worship can now decide if CHCL holders will be allowed to carry concealed firearms on their property.

Act 145 protects the privacy of CHCL holders by closing the loophole that allows media outlets to obtain and publish the names and zip codes of CHCL holders.