Today, the Arkansas House of Representatives voted 71-18 to concur on House Bill 1249. HB 1249 now goes to Governor Asa Hutchinson (R) for his signature.
HB 1249, as amended, establishes an enhanced carry permit that will greatly expand where permit holders may lawfully carry firearms for personal protection.
First and foremost, the enhanced permit allows 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 also allows 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. HB 1249 does 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.
Thank you to all NRA members and Second Amendment supporters who reached out to their legislators regarding this bill throughout the legislative process. Stay tuned to your email inbox and www.nraila.org for further updates.
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