When it comes to Arkansas' Gun Laws, the State follows the shall-issue, constitutional carry principle, which means no necessary permit, background checks, or registration required to those who can legally possess a firearm. All concealed weapon permits are being issued at the state level by the Department of Public Safety. Anyone who's aged 18-years-old and above can carry a handgun either openly or conceal.
Similar to other states with constitutional carry principle, Arkansas reciprocity grants anyone who can legally possess a firearm immunity to carry a concealed firearm without a license or permit. Arkansas has two types of Concealed Licenses, the Concealed Handgun Carry Licenses (CHCL) and the Enhanced Concealed Carry Permits (E-CHCL). Both requirements and specifications are discussed on this page as we go along.
Lastly, Arkansas in a Castle Doctrine state, meaning anyone is allowed to use deadly force for self-defense -- whether for one's self and property. However, Arkansas does not follow the "stand your ground law," which means there is a duty to retreat before using force.
Arkansas CCW Basics
Minimum Requirements:
- Must be at least 21-years-old or;
- 18-years-old if you're a member of the U.S. Armed Forces or National Guard.
- A resident of Arkansas for the last 90 day;
- A legal U.S. citizen.
- Read and understood the Arkansas Concealed Carry Law;
- Completed a state-approved firearms training class;
- With no recorded offense of carrying a weapon for the last five years.
To obtain a permit, please follow these steps:
- Complete the CHCL firearms safety class. If you're applying for an Enhanced CHCL, the enhanced training class is required.
- Within six months of completion, apply for a permit online.
- Write your confirmation number or order ID on your training certificate.
- Have your fingerprints taken at any local law enforcement agency.
- As soon as you've completed filing your online application, submit your full set of fingerprints and training certificate via mail, including the license fee (check or money order) to the Arkansas State Police.
- Mail Address: Arkansas State Police, CHCL Section, 1 State Plaza Drive, Little Rock, AR 72209
- All applications will be notified via mail.
To renew your Arkansas Concealed Carry Permit, please refer to these following steps:
Online Renewal:
- All permittees must complete a firearm renewal training course within six months before their license's expiration date. NOTE: Make sure that your training includes "live fire" to get your renewal application approved.
- Go to the CHCL Renewal page to process your application.
- After completing and paying your renewal application, all permittees must contact a Concealed Handgun Instructor and complete the necessary training.
- You will be notified via mail once your renewal is approved.
Mail-in Renewal:
- Complete a firearm renewal training course, six months before your license expires.
- Provide the following documents:
- Complete Arkansas CHCL Application form indicating renewal. NOTE: Make sure you are using the revised December 2018 form.
- If upgrading to E-CHCL, complete the Enhanced Endorsement Request Form.
- Certificate of Training form reflecting completion of renewal training course.
- License Fee
- Mail to:
Arkansas State Police
ATTN: CHCL Section
1 State Police Plaza Drive
Little Rock, AR 72209 - You will be notified via mail if your renewal application is approved.
Here are the complete license fees for easier reference:
- New License Costs (NOTE: These charges include the online application and background check fees only.)
- Online Applications:
- Age 64 and below - $91.90
- Age 66 and above - $66.15
- Paper Applications:
- Age 64 and below - $88.25
- Age 66 and above - $63.25
- Online Applications:
- Renewal Fees
- Online - $52.50
- Paper - $50.00
- Late Renewal Fees - $15
- Transfer from another state - $73.25 (includes background checks)
Arkansas CCW Laws: Facts To Know
Must Inform Officer
Yes - You Must Inform Officer
Arkansas Gun Laws state that a permittee must inform the law enforcement officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm when approached on official business. It is highly recommended to bring your permit and ID at all times.
No Weapons Allowed Sign
Yes - "No Weapons Allowed" Sign Enforced
Arkansas enforces all permittees to adhere to the "No Weapons Allowed" sign posted on private properties or businesses. If found guilty of not adhering, legal penalties are placed.
Arkansas Gun Forms & Supporting Documentation
Purchase & Possession
A permit is not required for the purchase or possession of a rifle, shotgun, or handgun in the state of Arkansas.
It is illegal to possess or own any firearm if the person:
- Is a felon.
- Is judged to be a mental defect.
- Has been involuntarily committed to a mental facility.
It is illegal to transfer, lend, sell, give, rent or trade a firearm to any person under the age of 18 without the consent of his/her parent, guardian, or other person responsible for his/her welfare.
- Possessing any gun in a field, forest, along a stream, or in any location known to be cover for game will be considered prima facie evidence that the possessor is hunting. It is illegal to refuse or to fail to immediately surrender any weapon upon request from a wildlife officer or other person working on behalf of the game Commission, for the purposes of inspection.
Carrying a Firearm
It is illegal for any person to possess a handgun on or about his person, in any occupied vehicle or otherwise readily available for use with a purpose to employ it as a weapon against a person. It is also illegal to possess a gun upon the property of a public or private college or, public or private school, or upon any school bus.
It is considered a defense that at the time of the act:
- The person is in his own residence or work place or on any property in which he has a proprietary interest.
- The person is a police officer, prison guard, or member of the United States Armed Forces, acting within the course of his/her official duties.
- The person is, assisting a police officer, prison guard, or member of the United States Armed Forces who is acting, by request in the course of his official duties.
- The person, unless under the age of 18 is carrying a handgun on a journey.
- The person is a security guard, who is licensed and acting in the course of his/her duties.
- The person is a participant in a hunter safety course, is actively hunting or is in transit to or from such activities.
- The person is a participant in an approved educational or sporting activity for school.
- The person is engaged in competition or practice or other recreational shooting supervised by his/her parent or legal guardian or is traveling to or from this activity with a handgun or firearm that is unloaded, and is accompanied by his/her parent or legal guardian.
Arkansas courts uphold the legal presumption that a loaded handgun under the front seat of a car driven by a defendant, or in a glove compartment has been placed there as a weapon. This presumption may be refuted by the defendant offering proof to the contrary, but a jury shall decide whether or not the handgun is carried as a weapon. Most law enforcement authorities generally agree that any encased handgun that is unloaded is not carried as a weapon.
A license is required to carry a concealed handgun. An application to carry a concealed handgun must be made to the Arkansas State Police. The license will be valid throughout the state of Arkansas for a period of 5 years from the date it was issued and includes up to 3 handguns. The carrier of the concealed handgun must carry the license together with valid identification.
The application for a concealed handgun permit must be completed under oath on a form from the Director of State Police and will include:
- The name of the applicant.
- The address of the applicant.
- The birthplace of the applicant.
- The applicant’s race.
- The gender of the applicant.
- The driver’s license or social security number of the applicant.
- A full-face photograph of the applicant.
- An indication of whether the applicant is applying for an unrestricted concealed handgun permit, which allows the person to carry any handgun, or a restricted concealed handgun permit, which allows the person to carry any handgun with the exception of a semiautomatic handgun.
There is a non-refundable license fee of $100 for the permit. The applicant must also pay any fees associated with processing of his/her fingerprints. The Arkansas State Police must conduct fingerprinting. After completion and upon receipt of the renewal application, and a $35 fee, the license will be renewed.
The license will be issued by the director if the applicant:
- Resides in the state for 90 days or longer.
- Is at least 21 years of age.
- Has not threatened or attempted suicide and does not suffer from any mental or physical disorder that would prevent the safe handling of a handgun.
- Is not a convicted felon.
- Has not been found to be guilty of any violent crime or of an offense that involves carrying a weapon within the past five years.
- Is not subject to any federal, state or local law whereupon it is illegal to possess, transport or receive any gun, and has had his/her background checked through the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).
- Has not been committed to an inpatient treatment facility either voluntarily or involuntarily for a controlled substance or been found guilty of a crime involving a controlled substance within the past three years.
- Has not been committed to an alcohol treatment facility either voluntarily or involuntarily or has not been, within the past three years, convicted of two alcohol offenses or more.
- Is not a chronic or habitual abuser of controlled substances, to the extent of impairment.
- Seeks a legal means in which to carry a concealed handgun for self- defense.
- Has not been committed either voluntarily or involuntarily to any mental institution or mental health treatment facility.
- Is not currently a fugitive.
- Has completed satisfactorily a training course prescribed and approved of by the Director of State Police.
- Completes and signs a statement of allegiance to the Arkansas Constitution and the United States.
The license will be issued or denied within a 120-day period. In the event of a denial, the director must notify the applicant in writing, stating the grounds for denial. The director’s denial will be final. The owner of the license must notify the director in writing within 30 days of a change of address or within 30 days of a lost license or disposal of a handgun.
Any person possessing a valid license to carry a concealed handgun that is issued by another state is entitled to any privileges and subject to the restrictions set forth by the concealed handgun laws of Arkansas, as long as the issuing license is at least as restrictive as Arkansas’ concealed handgun law and that the Arkansas concealed handgun license is recognized by that state.
A person who possesses a license to carry a handgun may not do so in the following facilities:
- Any Arkansas Highway Police facility, any police station, any buildings of the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department, or onto any grounds adjacent to such buildings or parking lots.
- Any building or detention facility.
- Any courthouse or courtroom facility.
- Any part of an establishment, licensed to dispense alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises except a restaurant.
- Any school or college or event with the exception of participating in a firearms-related activity that is authorized.
- Any polling place or facility.
- Any meeting of a body of government.
- Any state office building or facility.
- Any place of worship or building.
- Any airport terminal or
- place where otherwise prohibited by federal law.
Any person or entity exercising control over the physical location of a place may prohibit the carrying of a handgun if a notice to that effect is posted at a distance that is readable within 10 feet, stating that, “carrying of a handgun is prohibited”. A notice must also be posted at each entrance to the location. A posted sign is not necessary for a private home, however the permitee must notify the homeowner that he/she is carrying a concealed handgun upon entering the residence.
Unless unloaded and secured in a case, it is illegal to transport a firearm on a boat at night. It is illegal for any person, to carry or possess a loaded firearm in any state office building or other state owned building, or on the grounds of the State Capitol unless they are a law enforcement officer or security guard employed by the state or an agent of the state.
Antiques & Replicas
Arkansas does not post or publish statutes regarding antique and replica firearms. These firearms are to be treated as ordinary firearms for possession and carrying purposes.
Machine Guns
A machine gun will be defined as any weapon of any description, that is loaded or unloaded, where more than five shots or bullets can be rapidly, or automatically, or semi-automatically fired from a magazine, by a single function of the trigger or weapon.
Range Protection
Based on any claim of noise or noise pollution, a shooting range may not be held liable in a civil lawsuit or criminal action.
ARK. CODE ANN. § 16-105-502. Exemptions from nuisance and noise pollution suits for sports shooting ranges.
(a) If the range is in compliance with noise control ordinances of local government that were in force when the shooting range was originally constructed and began its operation, any person who uses or operates the shooting range in the state will not be subject to civil liability or criminal prosecution for noise or noise pollution resulting from the operation or use of the shooting range.
(b) Any person who operates or uses a sport shooting range is not subject to a nuisance claim or action and no state court may enjoin the use or operation of a shooting range due to noise or noise pollution, if the range is compliant with noise control ordinances of local government that applied to the range at the time it was constructed and began operation.
(c) Any person who acquires the title to or who owns real property that may be affected negatively by the use of property used for a sport shooting range cannot take a nuisance action against the range owner to restrain, enjoin, or impede the use of the range unless a substantial change in the nature of the use of the range has been made or a person using the range has made changes in the way the range is to be used.
(d) Any sport shooting range exempt from liability under this chapter is not subject to rules or regulations adopted by any state agency for establishing levels of noise allowable in the outdoor atmosphere.
(e) Nothing in this subchapter, outside of any other provision to the contrary will be construed to limit civil liability except in limited cases of noise pollution.
Arkansas Concealed Carry Reciprocity
Arkansas' Reciprocity States
States that honor an arkansas permit
RESIDENTS
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
NON-RESIDENTS
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
Arkansas honors permits from these states
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, , Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
Districts & Territories
District of Columbia, New York City, Guam, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands
Miscellaneous
It is illegal to deface or remove the serial number or identification mark of any firearm, or to knowingly possess such a firearm.
It is illegal to shoot from or across any public road or right of way.
Any local unit of government may not enact any ordinance or regulation pertaining to, or regulate in any manner, the ownership, transportation, transfer, carrying, or possession of firearms, ammunition for firearms, or any components of firearms, unless otherwise provided for in state or federal law. This does not prevent any ordinance, which regulates or forbids the unsafe firing of a firearm.
Only the State of Arkansas has the authority to bring suit against a firearm or ammunition manufacturer or dealer. However, in a proclamation by the Governor of a state of emergency, the governing body of a local unit of government can enact an emergency ordinance regulating firearms.
Arkansas Off-Limit Statues
§ 5-73-306. Prohibited Places
Except as permitted under § 5-73-322(g), a license to carry a concealed handgun issued under this subchapter does not authorize person to carry a concealed handgun into:
(1) Any police station, sheriff's station, or Division of Arkansas State Police station;
(2) Any Arkansas Highway Police Division of the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Division facility;
(3)(A) Any building of the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Division or onto grounds adjacent to any building of the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Division.
(B) However, subdivision (3)(A) of this section does not apply to:
(i) a rest area or weigh station of the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Division;
(ii) A publicly owned and maintained parking lot that is a publicly accessible parking lot if the licensee is carrying a concealed handgun in his or her motor vehicle or has left the concealed handgun in his or her locked and unattended motor vehicle in the publicly owned and maintained parking lot;
(4) Any part of a detention facility, prison, jail, or residential treatment facility owned or operated by the Division of Youth Services of the Department of Human Services, including without limitation a parking lot owned, maintained, or otherwise controlled by:
(A) The Department of Correction
(B) The Department of Community Correction;
(C) A residential treatment facility owned or operated by the Division of Youth Services of the
Department of Human Services;
(5) Any courthouse, courthouse annex, or other building owned, leased, or regularly used by a county for
conducting court proceedings or housing a county office unless
(A) The licensee is either
(i) Employed by the county; or
(ii) A countywide elected official
(iii) A justice of the peace; o
(iv)(a) Employed by a governmental entity other than the county with an office or place of
employment inside the courthouse, the courthouse annex, or other building owned, leased, or
regularly used by the county for conducting court proceedings or housing a county office.
(b) A licensee is limited to carrying a concealed handgun under subdivision (5)(A)(iii) of this
section into the courthouse, courthouse annex, or other building owned, leased, or regularly
used by the county for conducting court proceedings or housing a county office where the
office or place of employment of the governmental entity that employs him or her is located;
(B) The licensee's principal place of employment is within the courthouse, the courthouse annex, or other
building owned, leased, or regularly used by the county for conducting court proceedings or housing
a county office; and
(C) The quorum court by ordinance approves a plan that allows licensees permitted under this subdivision (5) to carry a concealed handgun into the courthouse, courthouse annex, or othe building owned, leased, or regularly used by a county for conducting court proceedings as set out by the local security and emergency preparedness plan;
(6)(A) Any courtroom.
(B) However, nothing in this subchapter precludes a judge from carrying a concealed weapon or determining who will carry a concealed weapon into his or her courtroom;
(7) Any meeting place of the governing body of any governmental entity;
(8) Any meeting of the General Assembly or a committee of the General Assembly;
(9) Any state office;
(10) Any athletic event not related to firearms;
(11)(A) A portion of an establishment, except a restaurant as defined in § 3-5-1202, licensed to dispense alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises
(B) A person with a concealed carry endorsement under § 5-31 73-322(g) and who is carrying a concealed handgun may not enter an establishment under this section if the establishment places a written notice as permitted under subdivision (18) of this section prohibiting a person with a license to possess a concealed handgun at the physical location;
(12)(A) A portion of an establishment, except a restaurant as defined in § 3-5-1202, where beer or light wine is consumed on the premises;
(B) A person with a concealed carry endorsement under § 5-3 73-322(g) and who is carrying a concealed handgun may not enter an establishment under this section if the establishment places a written notice as permitted under subdivision (18) of this section prohibiting a person with a license to possess a concealed handgun at the physical location;
(13)(A) A school, college, community college, or university campus building or event.
(B) However, subdivision (14)(A) of this section does not apply to
(i) A kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12) private school operated by a church or other place of worship that:
(a) Is located on the developed property of the kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12) private school;
(b) Allows the licensee to carry a concealed handgun into the church or other place of worship under this section; and
(c) Allows the licensee to possess a concealed handgun on the developed property of the kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12) private school under § 5-73-119(e);
(ii) A kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12) private school or a prekindergarten private school that through its governing board or director has set forth the rules and circumstances under which the licensee may carry a concealed handgun into a building or event of the kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12) private school or the prekindergarten private school;
(iii) Participation in an authorized firearms-related activity;
(iv) Carrying a concealed handgun as authorized under § 5-73-322; or
(v) A publicly owned and maintained parking lot of a college, community college, or university if the licensee is carrying a concealed handgun in his or her motor vehicle or has left the concealed handgun in his or her locked and unattended motor vehicle;
(14) Inside the passenger terminal of any airport, except that no person is prohibited from carrying any legal
firearm into the passenger terminal if the firearm is encased for shipment for purposes of checking the
firearm as baggage to be lawfully transported on any aircraft;
(15)(A) Any church or other place of worship.
(B) However, this subchapter does not preclude a church or other place of worship from determining who may carry a concealed handgun into the church or other place of worship;
(C) A person with a concealed carry endorsement under § 5-16 73-322(g) may not enter a church or other place of worship under this section if the church or other place of worship places a written notice as permitted under subdivision (18) of this section prohibiting a person with a license to possess a concealed handgun at the physical location;
(16) Any place where the carrying of a firearm is prohibited by federal law;
(17) Any place where a parade or demonstration requiring a permit is being held, and the licensee is a
participant in the parade or demonstration; or
(18)(A)(i) Any place at the discretion of the person or entity exercising control over the physical location
of the place by placing at each entrance to the place a written notice clearly readable at a distance of not less
than ten feet (10') that "carrying a handgun is prohibited".
(ii) (a) If the place does not have a roadway entrance, there shall be a written notice placed anywhere upon the premises of the place.
(b) In addition to the requirement of subdivision (18)(A)(ii)(a) of this section, there shall be at least one (1) written notice posted within every three (3) acres of a place with no roadway entrance
(iii) A written notice as described in subdivision (18)(A)(i) of this section is not required for a private
home.
(iv) Any licensee entering a private home shall notify the occupant that the licensee is carrying a concealed handgun.
(B) Subdivision (18)(A) of this section does not apply if the place is:
(i) A public university, public college, or community college, as defined in § 5-73-322, and the licensee is carrying a concealed handgun as provided under § 5-73-322;
(ii) A publicly owned and maintained parking lot if the licensee is carrying a concealed handgun in his or her motor vehicle or has left the concealed handgun in his or her locked and unattended motor vehicle.
(iii) A parking lot of a private employer and the licensee is carrying a concealed handgun as provided under § 5-73-324.
(C) The person or entity exercising control over the physical location of a place that does not use his, hers, or its authority under this subdivision (18) to prohibit a person from possessing a concealed handgun is immune from a claim for monetary damages arising from or related to the decision not to place at each entrance to the place a written notice under this subdivision (18).
(19)(A)(i) A place owned or operated by a private entity that prohibits the carrying of a concealed handgun that posts a written notice as described under subdivision (18)(A) of this section
(ii)(a) A place owned or operated by a private entity that chooses not to post a written notice as described under subdivision (18)(A) of this section may provide written or verbal notification to a licensee who is carrying a concealed handgun at the place owned or operated by a private entity that carrying of a concealed handgun is prohibited.
(b) A licensee who receives written or verbal notification under subdivision (19)(A)(ii)(a) of this section is deemed to have violated this subdivision (19) if the licensee while carrying a concealed handgun either remains at or returns to the place owned or operated by the private entity.
(B) A place owned or operated by a private entity under this subdivision (19) includes without limitation:
(i) A private university or private college;
(ii) A church or other place of worship;
(iii) An establishment, except a restaurant as defined in § 3-5-1202, licensed to dispense alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises; an
(iv) An establishment, except a restaurant as defined in § 3-5-1202, where beer or light wine is consumed on the premises; or
(20) A posted firearm-sensitive area, as approved by the Division of Arkansas State Police under § 5-73-325, located at:
(A) The Arkansas State Hospital;
(B) The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences; or
(C) A collegiate athletic event
History: § §§ 2-5; 2017, No. 707, § 5; 2017, No. 859, §§ 4-6; 2017, No. 1071, § 2; 2017, No. 1090, § 1. § 1; 2019, No. 431, § 2.
§ 3-5-1202. Definitions.
(11) "Restaurant" means any public or private place which is kept, used, maintained, advertised, and held out to the public or to a private or restricted membership as a place where complete meals are actually and regularly served, such place being provided with adequate and sanitary kitchen and dining equipment and a seating capacity of at least fifty (50) people and having employed a sufficient number and kind of employees to prepare, cook, and serve suitable food for its guests or members. At least one (1) meal per day shall be served, and the place shall be open a minimum of five (5) days per week, with the exception of holidays, vacations, and periods of redecorating.
History: Acts 1991, No. 611, § 1; 1995, No. 491, § 1.
§ 5-73-119. Handguns -- Possession by minor or possession on school property.
(b)(1) No person in this state shall possess a firearm:
(A) Upon the developed property of a public or private school, K-12;
(B) In or upon any school bus; or
(C) At a designated bus stop as identified on the route list published by a school district
(e) It is permissible to carry a handgun under this section if at the time of the act of possessing a handgun or firearm:
(12)(A) The person has a license to carry a concealed handgun under § 5-73-301 et seq. and is carrying a concealed handgun in his or her motor vehicle or has left the concealed handgun in his or her locked and unattended motor vehicle in a publicly owned and maintained parking lot.
(B) (i) As used in this subdivision (e)(12), "parking lot" means a designated area or structure or part of a structure intended for the parking of motor vehicles or a designated drop-off zone for children at a school.
(ii) "Parking lot" does not include a parking lot owned, maintained, or otherwise controlled by the Division
of Correction or Division of Community Correction. Attorney General has issued Opinion No. 2003-244 cities and counties can post their parks with “No Firearms Allowed” signs. CCW holders cannot legally carry in these posted areas. Act 1110 of 2003 was enacted to permit persons to carry in public parks. Sec 1 addresses places in which concealed handguns are not allowed. Any building wherein a state office is located and Schools.
Park Directive 3070 - For Arkansas State Parks, These Building Include:
1. The Bladesmith School at Old Washington
2. DeGray Lake Resort Lodge and Convention Center
3. Maintenance Buildings
4. Marina Sales Offices
5. Mather Lodge
6. Mount Magazine Lodge and Conference Center
7. Museum Buildings with Offices
8. Ozark Folk Center Lodge Office, Recreation Room and Gift Shop
9. All Restaurants / Cafes
10. Queen Wilhelmina Lodge
11. Visitor Information Centers
Signs and Decals will be posted at the locations listed above.
§ 5-73-322 - Concealed Handguns in a University, College, or Community College Building.
(a)(1) As used in this section, "public university, public college, or community college” means an institution that:
(A) Regularly receives budgetary support from the state government;
(B) Is part of the University of Arkansas or Arkansas State University systems; or
(C) Is required to report to the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
(2) "Public university, public college, or community college" includes without limitation a public technical
institute.
(3) “Public university, public college, or community college” does not include a private university or private
college solely because
(A) Students attending the private university or private college receive state-supported scholarships; or
(B) The private university or private college voluntarily reports to the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
(b) A licensee who has completed the training required under subsection (g) of this section may possess a concealed handgun in the buildings and on the grounds of a public university, public college, or community college, whether owned or leased by the public university, public college, or community college, unless otherwise prohibited by this section or § 5-73-30.
(c)(1) A licensee may possess a concealed handgun in the buildings and on the grounds of the private university or private college where unless otherwise prohibited by this section or § 5-73-306 if the private university or private college does not adopt a policy expressly disallowing the carrying of a concealed handgun in the buildings and on the grounds of the private university or private college.
(2)(A) A private university or private college that adopts a policy expressly disallowing the carrying of a concealed handgun in the buildings and on the grounds of the private university or private college shall post notices as described in § 5-73-306(18).
(B) A private university or private college that adopts a policy only allowing carrying of a concealed handgun under this section shall post notices as described in § 5-73-306(18) and subdivision (c)(1)(C) of this section.
(C) If a private university or private college permits carrying a concealed handgun under this section, the private university or private college may revise any sign or notice required to be posted under § 5-73-306(18) to indicate that carrying a concealed handgun under this section is permitted.
(d) The storage of a handgun in a university or college-operated student dormitory or residence hall is prohibited under § 5-73-119(c).
(e)(1) A licensee who may carry a concealed handgun in the buildings and on the grounds of a public university, public college, or community college under this section may not carry a concealed handgun into a location during which an official meeting lasting no more than nine (9) hours is being conducted in accordance with documented grievance and disciplinary procedures as established by the public university, public college, or community college if
(A) At least twenty-four (24) hours' notice is given to participants of the official meeting;
(B) Notice is posted on the door of or each entryway into the location in which the official meeting is being conducted that possession of a concealed handgun by a licensee under this section is prohibited during the official meeting; and
(C) The area of a building prohibited under this subdivision (e)(1) is no larger than necessary to complete the grievance or disciplinary meeting.
(2) A person who knowingly violates subdivision (e)(1) of this section upon conviction is guilty of:
(A) A violation for a first offense and subject to a fine not exceeding one hundred dollars ($100); and
(B) A Class C misdemeanor for a second or subsequent offense.
(f) This section does not affect a licensee’s ability to store a concealed handgun in his or her vehicle under §
5-73-306(13)(B)(v).
(g)(1) A licensee who intends to carry a concealed handgun in the buildings and on the grounds of a public university, public college, or community college is required to complete a training course approved by the Director of the Division of Arkansas State Police.
(2)(A) Training required under this subsection shall:
(i) Not be required to be renewed;
(ii) Consist of a course of up to eight (8) hours;
(iii) Be offered by all training instructors and at all concealed carry training courses; and
(iv) Cost no more than a nominal amount.
History: 2017, No. 562, § 6; 2017, No. 859, §§ 7, 8