Arkansas: Pro-Gun Bills Progress Out of Committee, “Shall Sign” Legislation Becomes Law

Yesterday, the Arkansas House Judiciary Committee recommended “Do Pass” on House Bill 1505, House Bill 1240, and Senate Bill 159.  These bills now head to the House floor for consideration and a vote.  Please contact your state Representative and urge him or her to vote in support of HB 1505, HB 1240 and SB 159 when these important pro-gun bills come before them.  

HB 1505, introduced by state Representative Michelle Gray (R-62), would remove the absolute prohibition on having a firearm in a vehicle while in certain public parking lots for individuals with a concealed handgun license.

HB 1240,  introduced by state Representative Dwight Tosh (R-52), would strengthen the civil immunity statute to protect a person from civil damages stemming from an incident when he or she lawfully uses deadly physical force in self-defense or in defense of another person.

SB 159, introduced by Senator Linda Collins-Smith (R-19), would remove the absolute prohibition on carrying a concealed firearm into a county courthouse for employees who have a concealed handgun license. 

Also yesterday, House Bill 1488 was signed into law by Governor Asa Hutchinson, and is enacted into law as Act 720.  Act 720 requires the chief law enforcement officer (CLEO) of a jurisdiction to certify the transfer or making of a firearm, as required by the National Firearms Act, within 15 days if the person is not prohibited from receiving or possessing a firearm by law.  Act 720 also establishes that an applicant may appeal a denial to the circuit court. 

Under past Arkansas law, a CLEO could refuse to sign off for any reason, including their own personal feelings toward NFA-related items, which created issues for law-abiding citizens.  By removing any possibility of personal bias, which may reside behind many CLEO's refusing to sign off, and creating a statewide standard, Act 720 protects the rights of law-abiding gun owners across Arkansas.

Thank you to all of our members who contacted their legislators on behalf of HB 1488.  Passage of this bill could not have been done without your continuous support.  Please thank Governor Hutchinson for signing HB 1488.