The Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday endorsed House Bill 1249, requiring colleges and universities to allow concealed handguns on campus, by a vote of 21 to 10. All local Senators Scott Flippo, Missy Irvin and Linda Collins-Smith voted against the measure. When the bill previously went in front of the House, all local State Representatvies were in favor.
The bill would allow faculty and staff to carry concealed handguns if they have a license from the state. A 2013 law leaves the decision on whether to allow concealed handguns up to colleges and universities, but no schools have opted to do so.
Although she didn’t support the bill Senator Missy Irvin has this update from the capitol.
Listen:
The bill would allow faculty and staff to carry concealed handguns if they have a license from the state. A 2013 law leaves the decision on whether to allow concealed handguns up to colleges and universities, but no schools have opted to do so.
Although she didn’t support the bill Senator Missy Irvin has this update from the capitol.
Listen:
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The Arkansas Senate panel advanced the bill, initially rejecting
a proposal to require any faculty or staff who want to carry concealed
handguns to first undergo 16 hours of training.
In a turn of events the Arkansas Senate on Thursday voted 22-10 to amend the bill and add the training mandate. The amendment would require 16 hours of training on active-shooter situations before an employee could be armed on campus. Backers of the legislation have opposed the additional training requirement.
Senator Linda Collins-Smith became a co-sponsor of the amendment. It will have it’s third and final reading Monday.
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