A panel of Arkansas lawmakers on Wednesday approved proposed changes to state gun laws that will expand some areas where carrying firearms is allowed. (Photo by John Sykes/Arkansas Advocate)
Arkansans would be able to carry guns at a number of new locations, including school campuses and bus stops, under potential bills to be introduced in next year’s legislative session.
Lawmakers gave a preview of some of the potential changes in a meeting of the Game and Fish/State Police Subcommittee of the Arkansas Legislative Council Wednesday. The recommendations stem from a study of the state’s gun laws carried out by the committee since late 2023.
Arkansas is a “constitutional carry” state, in which licenses are not required for residents to legally carry a firearm, either openly or concealed. Despite that, some conflicts exist with federal gun laws, especially surrounding certain public facilities like schools.
One change would allow Arkansans to carry firearms onto the campuses of K-12 schools. Little Rock resident Anna Morshedi spoke against it, noting a fatal mass shooting at a Georgia high school had taken place just hours before Wednesday’s discussion.