Gov. Asa Hutchinson Signed House Bill 1249 Into Law

The Arkansas Traveler - news/campus,news/campus/









Gov. Asa Hutchinson signed House Bill 1249 regarding concealed carry on college campuses in Arkansas, and it is now law.











Hutchinson said HB1249 is consistent with his views on how firearms should be handled in sensitive areas and that he has consistently recognized the safety benefit in having people who are properly trained in handling firearms.








Not everyone with a concealed carry permit will be allowed in sensitive areas, such as a football games, Hutchinson said. However, those who have participated in enhanced training will be allowed to carry guns in sensitive areas, even if it is specified that no weapons are allowed, Hutchinson said.





This bill allows for enhanced carry, but requires more training as well. There are up to eight hours of training that will educate and train people with permits on how to handle situations that are dangerous, such as dealing with an active shooter or a threat.





“The enhanced level of training is very important, and I am convinced the public will be more safe,” Hutchinson said.





Additionally, there are still places in which carrying is prohibited. There is no carrying allowed at private institutions that opt out of the bill, nor in churches or bars. Carrying a gun in student dormitories on campus is also prohibited, and it is a class D felony to carry a firearm in a courtroom, Hutchinson said.





“This bill, in my view, reflects the view of the general assembly,” Hutchinson said.






















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