HB1601 Summary

• Local units of government (cities, towns, counties) are prohibited from enacting ordinances or regulations regarding ownership, transfer, transportation, carrying, or possession of firearms, ammunition, or firearm components, except as provided in state or federal law.

• Local units of government cannot bring lawsuits against firearm or ammunition manufacturers, trade associations, or dealers for damages related to lawful design, manufacture, marketing, or sale of firearms; this authority is reserved exclusively to the State of Arkansas.

• Local governing bodies are prohibited from enacting emergency ordinances regulating firearm transfer, transportation, or carrying following a gubernatorial state of emergency declaration; persons whose firearms are seized in violation may seek return through circuit court.

• State employees and agency directors are prohibited from knowingly participating in enforcement of federal firearm regulations issued after the bill's effective date or using state funds to aid federal enforcement of firearm-related federal acts.

• Violations of the state employee prohibition constitute a civil violation with penalties up to $3,000, or a Class A misdemeanor for second and subsequent violations; local governments violating these provisions lose state grant funds for the following fiscal year.