State House panel approves 2nd Amendment resolution

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

— A panel of Arkansas state lawmakers has approved a nonbinding resolution that urges the federal government not to limit Second Amendment rights.

Representatives on the House Committee on State Agencies and Governmental Affairs voted unanimously Wednesday to pass the measure. If the resolution passes the House, it will be distributed to President Barack Obama, congressional leaders and other state legislatures.

The bill’s sponsor is Republican Rep. Richard Womack of Arkadelphia. He says he filed the bill to shows his constituents that he hears their concerns about federal proposals to tighten regulations on firearms.

The nonbinding resolution does not require the governor’s signature but Democrat Mike Beebe says he supports the measure.

The Legislature is also weighing two separate bills allowing concealed weapons on college campuses and in churches.