AR HB1625

Requires instant federal criminal background checks for all driver's license applications and renewals for persons 18 years or older, conducted at no cost to applicants, with an option to opt out provided by the Office of Driver Services.

Increases driver's license fees: standard Class D/M licenses from $24 to $26 for 8 years, intermediate licenses from $12 to $14, learner's licenses from $12 to $14, and Class MD licenses from $2 to $4.

Creates a new Class D or Class M driver's license with firearm designation valid for 5 years upon payment of $26, issued only after federal criminal background check approval confirms no violation of state or federal firearm possession laws.

Requires the Department of Finance and Administration and Arkansas State Police to establish a system providing instant FBI criminal background checks to the Office of Driver Services within the timeframe of a typical license application.

Mandates background check information be kept confidential, used only for firearm designation decisions, and establishes rules for implementation including policies on information retention and criteria for revoking or reissuing the firearm-designated license.