Arkansas: Right-to-Carry Confidentiality Bill Passes and Goes to Governor

AR State Sen. Bruce Holland

Little Rock - Senate Bill 131, the concealed handgun carry license (CHCL) confidentiality bill, passed in the Arkansas House yesterday (Feb 19th) by an overwhelming bi-partisan vote of 84-3 with 13 not voting.

The bill was introduced by state Senator Bruce Holland (R-District 6) of Greenwood, Arkansas and the bill quickly passed the Arkansas Senate on Feb 6th with a bipartisan vote of 24-9.

This legislation would close the loophole that allows media outlets to obtain and publish the names and zip codes of CHCL holders. Someone exercising his or her Second Amendment rights should not be put at risk of being a victim of gun theft by the public exposure of their private information. Under SB 131, personal information of license holders would be accessible only as part of an official criminal investigation.

As previously reported, Four years ago this month, in 2009, "Mad" Max Brantley, then editor of the Arkansas Times, capriciously used the Freedom of Information Act and then published the names on the Arkansas Times Blog all of the names and addresses of all the people in Arkansas who had concealed gun permits.  Why - because he could.  Because of "Mad" Max's actions, the Arkansas legislature reacted quickly and amended its concealed handgun license law to remove the ability of media outlets to publish names and addresses of license holders.

SB 131 seeks to enact more thorough restrictions. Under this legislation, personal information on license holders would be accessible only as part of an official criminal investigation.

This legislation now goes to Governor Mike Beebe (D) for his consideration.

Unfortunately, as also previously reported, a spokesman for Governor Mike Beebe (D) stated that the Governor opposes this measure.  Contact Governor Beebe and urge him to reconsider his position. Politely remind him that thirty states have already enacted protections for gun owners by classifying personal permit information contained in firearm permits as confidential. Also, be sure to let him know that the public release of any personal information regarding CHCL holders serves no public interest and both exposes law-abiding citizens to potential criminal acts and aids in identifying other citizens who opted not to carry.  All Arkansas  citizens need to be protected (those who care and those who do not) and this bill helps to do that.

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Tags: Arkansas, State Senate, Senator, Bruce Holland, Senate Bill 131, State House, Concealed Carry, privacy, gun rights, Governor Mike Beebe, "Mad" Max, Brantley To share or post to your site, click on "Post Link". Please mention / link to the ARRA News Service. Thanks!