FAYETTEVILLE -- A public forum to discuss the expansion of the state's carry law regarding concealed handguns will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday on the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville campus.
State lawmakers last year expanded the number of public facilities where people who had permits could carry concealed weapons. Previously, public colleges and universities could ban concealed weapons on campuses.
The new law states that anyone wishing to carry a weapon in such areas as a public university classroom must get a special, enhanced license.
No such licenses have been issued thus far, but the Arkansas State Police has approved the rules for training firearms instructors who will offer the training to get the enhanced permits. Firearms instructors will have to pass a state test before offering the training, and, apart from some military-related exceptions, licenses will be issued only to people who are 21 or older.
The forum Thursday will be held in the E.J. Ball Courtroom in UA's School of Law. Among those answering questions from the campus community will be Steve Gahagans, director of the university's police department, and Terry Martin, UA's vice provost for academic affairs.
UA previously held a campus public forum on the topic in September and a forum for faculty members in October.
NW News on 01/24/2018