AR HB1748

Amends Arkansas Code § 5-73-309(11) to allow veterans who voluntarily sought mental health treatment to obtain a concealed handgun license if a circuit court grants their petition under new § 5-73-327.

Defines "veteran" as a person who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for more than 180 days with an other-than-dishonorable discharge, was discharged due to service-connected disability, or served in a reserve component under active duty orders.

Requires a veteran to wait at least two (2) years after completing mental health treatment before petitioning for a concealed handgun license, with no more than one petition filed every two years.

Requires the veteran's petition to include a limited medical waiver allowing the circuit court and prosecuting attorney access to relevant mental health records, with the prosecuting attorney served within 30 days.

Grants the petition if the circuit court finds by preponderance of the evidence that the petitioner is not likely to act dangerously to public safety and granting the petition would not be contrary to public interest; court decisions denying the petition may be appealed de novo.