A resolution declaring that Arkansas is a "constitutional carry" state where citizens do not need permits to carry firearms passed the House Thursday.
The sponsor of House Resolution 1013, state Rep. Brandt Smith, R-Jonesboro, conceded that the resolution "doesn't do much" because it is nonbinding.
The resolution states that the permitless carry of a gun, either concealed or in the open, is legal. Other Republicans, such as Gov. Asa Hutchinson and Attorney General Leslie Rutledge, have stated that it is their belief that current state law allows for permitless open carry of firearms. However, not all prosecutors and police chiefs agree with that view.
[RELATED: Complete Democrat-Gazette coverage of the Arkansas Legislature]
Smith had said a resolution would clear up the discrepancy, opponents have argued that a non-bonding resolution will only muddy the waters.
Smith's resolution passed by a voice vote. House Minority Leader Charles Blake, D-Little Rock, could be heard loudly voicing his opposition.
-- John Moritz
A Section on 02/15/2019