Arkansas House OKs bill on emergency gun limits
By The Associated Press
This article was published March 19, 2013 at 2:42 p.m.
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The Arkansas House has approved a proposal to remove the governor's emergency power to regulate guns during a disaster.
The House approved the bill on a 78-9 vote Tuesday. The governor currently has the authority during a disaster or emergency to suspend or limit the sale, distribution and transportation of firearms. The governor also has enhanced powers to regulate alcohol, explosives, and combustibles.
Proponents of the measure say it's needed to protect the Second Amendment. Opponents said they didn't want to impede the governor's ability to adequately lead the state's response to a catastrophe.
The bill now heads to the Senate.
A spokesman for Gov. Mike Beebe has said the governor is reviewing the measure, but noted the governor has never exercised the power during his six years in office.
Comments on: Arkansas House OKs bill on emergency gun limits
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DontDrinkDatKoolAid says... March 19, 2013 at 6:11 p.m.
To much power for that office on this matter.
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RonalFos says... March 19, 2013 at 8:09 p.m.
So you want possible anarchy in an emergency I guess.
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RBBrittain says... March 19, 2013 at 8:28 p.m.
That's the problem with these NRA types -- they think ANY restriction on guns violates the Second Amendment. That is clearly NOT the case, even going back to the clause in the 1689 English Bill of Rights that inspired it. (King James II tried to disarm his Protestant opponents while arming his Catholic supporters. The English Bill of Rights protected Protestants' right to bear arms; since our First Amendment bans religious distinctions, the Second Amendment omitted the Protestant part.) Government can REGULATE guns, and even take them away in emergencies to prevent anarchy; it just can't OUTLAW them entirely.
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TimberTopper says... March 20, 2013 at 5:34 a.m.
They are a bunch of fools! The party has gerry-mandered itself into a position that they will regret. The day will come when their gun toting friends will turn the gun on them. Then watch them cry for Gun Laws!
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