Arkansas governor 'hesitant' to change self-defense law

LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas' Republican governor says he's hesitant to change the state's rules regarding use of deadly force in self-defense, saying he believes the current law has worked well.

Gov. Asa Hutchinson told reporters Tuesday he'll continue to hear if there's a case made for changing the current self-defense law, which he said is strong in terms of allowing self-defense and protection.

A Senate panel last week rejected a bill that would no longer require residents to retreat before defending themselves with deadly force, as the current law does.

[RELATED: Complete Democrat-Gazette coverage of the Arkansas Legislature]

Supporters argue the bill would protect people who have rightfully defended themselves from a threat, but opponents have said it would increase unnecessary gun violence. The lawmaker behind the bill has left open the possibility he'll try again with the measure.

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