State ofArkansas
Current News
April 29, 2019 - Few gun bills gained approval from Arkansas lawmakers in session
Legislative proposals on both sides of the gun-rights debate in Arkansas this year had varied results, with three becoming law, some struggling in committee and one resulting in a viral video viewed more than 2.5 million times around the world.
Republicans, despite their majority grip on the Arkansas Legislature, failed to bring to a vote a proposal to eliminate gun-free zones. The zones were created after a contentious battle in 2017 that resulted in a law allowing people with enhanced-carry permits to take concealed handguns onto college campuses and into public buildings, bars and churches.
Democrats also experienced their share of legislative defeats in their efforts to enact new gun-control policies by tapping into discontent over the 2017 enhanced-carry law.
A series of Democrat-backed bills would have implemented universal background checks, barred convicted domestic abusers from possessing guns and created a new type of judicial order to seize weapons from a person considered dangerous. Only one proposal -- the domestic abuser ban -- made it out of committee. It did not become law.
State Requirements
CCW Handgun License
Must be at least 21 years of age or
18 years if a member of the US Armed Forces or National Guard.
Have been a resident of Arkansas for the last 90 days.
Have read the Arkansas concealed carry law.
You are a US citizen or legal resident.
You have completed an approved firearms training class.
Have not within the last five years been convicted of the offense of carrying a weapon.
Vehicle Carry
YES and NO WITHOUT A PERMIT
If you do not have a permit handguns must be unloaded and placed in a case. Placing the gun in a glove compartment is illegal. The Attorney General has stated that Permitless carry either open or concealed while in a vehicle while on a "Journey" is legal in Arkansas. But that is not the current law only his opinion. The law is a bit confusing as it states you need a permit to carry in your home county. However, if you are on a journey outside your home county you do not need a permit. There is a case currently moving through the courts that will clarify this matter.
Open Carry
YES and NO WITHOUT A PERMIT
There is some confusion surrounding open carry from a law change in 2013. The Attorney Generals opinion states that Open Carry without a permit or license is legal. But that is not the law so until the matter is resolved we suggest you do not open carry or do so with caution.
Must Notify Officer
MUST INFORM OFFICER
Arkansas gun laws state that you must inform a law enforcement officer you have a firearm when approached on official business.
Check your State
Legislation varies from State to State, so it is best to always check the State Laws pertaining to handguns before traveling to or through that particular State.
Click the link below to familiarize yourself with the basic legislation for each State in regards to Vehicle Carry, Open Carry, and Requirement to Inform Officers.
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