Concealed-carry bill for county employees passes House

The Arkansas House on Wednesday approved a bill that would allow county-elected officials and employees to carry concealed weapons in county buildings with a permit and approval of their quorum court.

Rep. Tim Lemons, R-Cabot, told House members they had already passed his legislation, House Bill 1626, which would allow elected officials to carry a concealed weapon into a courthouse if that is their primary place of employment and if they have a permit to do so.

Senate Bill 159, sponsored by Sen. Linda Collins-Smith, R-Pocahontas, would allow employees with a concealed weapons permit to also carry a concealed weapon as part of an approved county security plan and if approved by that county's quorum court, Lemons said.

No legislators spoke for or against the bill and it passed with 73 voting for and three voting against.

See Thursday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full coverage.

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