AR HB1895

Amends Arkansas Code § 5-73-306(5) to modify restrictions on concealed handgun carry in courthouses, courthouse annexes, and county buildings used for court proceedings or county offices.

Adds three new categories of people authorized to carry concealed handguns in courthouses: justices of the peace, employees of governmental entities other than the county with offices in the courthouse, and individuals whose principal place of employment is within the courthouse.

Employees of non-county governmental entities are limited to carrying concealed handguns only in the specific courthouse building where their employing entity's office or place of employment is located.

Requires the quorum court to approve by ordinance a security plan that allows authorized licensees to carry concealed handguns in courthouses, with the plan to be set out by the local security and emergency preparedness plan.

Bill was approved on April 7, 2017.