SB 724 Summary

• Adds definition of "collegiate athletic event" to Arkansas weapons law, covering sporting contests sponsored by public or private universities, colleges, or community colleges.

• Allows licensees with concealed carry endorsements to carry concealed handguns in publicly owned buildings and facilities, except in courtrooms, K-12 schools, corrections facilities, and firearm-sensitive areas at the Arkansas State Hospital, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, and collegiate athletic events.

• Exempts private universities and colleges from posting notices prohibiting concealed handgun carrying, while allowing them to provide written or verbal notice to prohibit guns at their locations under a new notification procedure.

• Establishes new "firearm-sensitive area" approval process where the Arkansas State Hospital, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, and institutions hosting collegiate athletic events may submit security plans to the Department of Arkansas State Police designating areas where concealed handguns are prohibited.

• Makes security plans submitted for firearm-sensitive areas exempt from public disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act and becomes effective September 1, 2017.