Now that Arkansas’ new enhanced conceal carry law is in effect there are questions concerning when and where the new law is applicable. Governor Asa Hutchison signed a bill in March which allows concealed handguns on public college campuses, bars, airports and other public places not previously allowed.Under the new law a conceal carry permit holder will be required to take eight hours of additional training. Four of the eight hours can be waived if a person has completed regular training within the past ten years.
The law went into effect Friday, however it doesn’t take effect on college campuses including Arkansas State University, ASU Mountain Home and The University of Arkansas until Arkansas State Police develop training and qualified instructors for the enhanced training. Arkansas State Police have an 120 day period to make that happen and have indicated they will need that amount of time.
Arkansas State University, ASUMH and the University of Arkansas say until the enhanced permits are available all guns are still banned from their campuses, except in the case of certified law enforcement officers.
ASU’s weapons policy, which is the same as ASUMH, has updated information and can be found at https://www.asusystem.edu/about/policies/weapons/.
In summary the policy explains only a person who has obtained the training will be allowed to carry on campus. ASU and ASUMH will not provide any training. Only law enforcement will be able to open carry. Anyone who sees a person openly carrying a firearm, other than law enforcement officers, should call 9-1-1. Faculty and staff will be allowed to conceal carry if they have undergone the required training.
A permit holder will be allowed to store their handgun in a locked, unattended motor vehicle in a publicly owned and maintained parking lot. Storing in a dormitory, residence hall, locked office, locked desk drawer or in an ASU vehicle will not be allowed.
A full list of other places handguns are not allowed can be viewed on ASU’s website.
A similar page, concerning the University of Arkansas’ conceal carry polices, can be found on the U of A website at http://safety.uark.edu/campus-carry/index.php.
Privately owned facilities will be required to post a sign which is clearly visible, at not less than 10 feet, that carrying a handgun is prohibited.
The full law, Act 562, can be found at http://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/assembly/2017/2017R/Bills/HB1249.pdf.
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