Arkansas Subcommittee Nears Conclusion on Gun Law Study

A subcommittee of Arkansas legislators is on the verge of finalizing its year-long study of the state’s gun laws, focusing on a comprehensive package of bills designed to clarify rights and restrictions regarding firearm ownership and carrying. With strong support for the Second Amendment among lawmakers, the goal is to streamline existing laws by repealing confusing or conflicting provisions.

Approved by the Legislative Council last year, the study aims to eliminate the current dual system for concealed carry licenses, simplifying it into a single licensing framework. Currently, residents can apply for either a “regular” or “enhanced” concealed carry license, but the attorney general has recommended transitioning to one unified system, especially since Arkansas now allows permit less carry under Act 777 of 2023.

Additional proposals include preventing cities and counties from enacting more restrictive gun laws than state regulations and clarifying the definition of a “journey” for gun owners as simply leaving home. The subcommittee has gathered input from law enforcement, firearms instructors, hunters, and advocates for stricter gun laws around schools.

Arkansas Secures $1 Billion for Broadband Expansion

In other news, Arkansas has become eligible for an additional $1 billion in federal grants to expand high-speed internet access, particularly beneficial for schools, healthcare providers, and businesses in rural areas. This funding comes from the Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, which aims to allocate over $42 billion nationwide.

This new funding follows the Arkansas Rural Connects program, which previously provided about $520 million for broadband expansion in the state. Arkansas is one of 19 states receiving more than $1 billion through the BEAD initiative.

SNAP Benefits Reimbursement for Fraud Victims

Additionally, the state Human Services Department has announced a temporary relief program for food stamp recipients who have fallen victim to electronic scams known as skimming or cloning. Individuals can be reimbursed for benefits stolen between October 1, 2022, and September 30, 2024, a period during which 296 cases of digital theft were reported.