LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge says a 2013 law allows someone to openly carry a handgun as long as they don't plan to illegally use it against another person.
The Republican said in an advisory opinion Friday that the law generally allows "open carry" but cautioned that other laws limiting handguns such as a ban on them on Capitol grounds and at schools are still in effect. She also noted that private property owners can still prohibit open carry of handguns.
Rutledge's non-binding opinion is a reversal from her Democratic predecessor, former Attorney General Dustin McDaniel, who said in 2013 that the law didn't allow open carry.
Rutledge also cautioned that police may legally ask about someone's purpose if the person is openly carrying a handgun.
Read Saturday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.