AR HB1284

Amends Arkansas Code § 5-73-306(16) to allow churches and other places of worship to decide whether to permit licensees to carry concealed handguns on their premises.

Specifies that the decision to allow concealed handguns must be made by either the most authoritative governing body of the church or the person with ultimate decision-making authority over the church.

Creates new charitable immunity provision (Arkansas Code Title 16, Chapter 120, Subchapter 5) protecting churches and places of worship from liability for injuries or deaths caused by handguns on their premises, regardless of whether they permit concealed weapons.

Shields churches and their agents from vicarious liability for negligence by any person involving a handgun on the property of the church or place of worship.

Establishes that the new charitable immunity provision is supplemental to and does not affect other existing tort or charitable immunities that churches may have under Arkansas law.