The Arkansas Senate Judiciary Committee began discussing an NRA-supported amendment to House Bill 1249 that was put together by State Senator Trent Garner (R-27), one of the bill's original cosponsors, and Senate Majority Leader Jim Hendren (R-2). Originally introduced solely as a Campus Carry bill, the proposed amendment would establish an enhanced carry permit that will greatly expand where permit holders may lawfully carry firearms for personal protection. NRA considers this amendment to be its primary legislative goal for Arkansas this year, as it would enact a strong enhanced carry permit system. Please contact members of the Senate Judiciary Committee and urge them to support the NRA-backed amendment to HB 1249.
First and foremost, the enhanced permit will allow for carrying on public college and university campuses, without the unnecessary prohibited areas that had caused concern with the original version of HB 1249. The enhanced permit will also allow for the lawful carrying of a concealed firearm in many places that are currently prohibited under the existing permit system, including the State Capitol, and in areas of restaurants where alcohol is served, to name a few. If amended, HB 1249 would not contain the unacceptable age restriction of being only applicable to those who are at least 25 years old. If you can qualify for the current permit, you can qualify for the enhanced permit. While additional training of up to eight hours is a component of the enhanced permit, current licensees may waive up to four hours of that training, due to the training they have already received.
In addition to contacting Senate Judiciary Committee members, please also contact your state Senator and urge them to support NRA's efforts to amend House Bill 1249.
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