Arkansas Gun Laws: Can Towns and Cities Make Local Rules?

Arkansas flag and gun, illustration.

By    |   Monday, 29 December 2014 01:40 PM EST ET

Arkansas gun laws are in flux, but they do not allow cities and towns to make their own restrictions. Laws across the state should be consistent.

Arkansas citizens have their Second Amendment rights further protected by a constitutional provision in the state that allows for the right to bear arms. That provision reads, "The citizens of this state shall have the right to keep and bear arms for their common defense."

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Arkansas gun laws also clearly state that a "local unit of government" is not allowed to make laws concerning the sale, transfer or ownership of guns. A city or county also cannot make rules regarding carrying of handguns.

As in some other states, the only area under which a local government would have jurisdiction to pass laws concerns the firing of a gun. Those laws should only concern safety issues. An example of this kind of law would be the Little Rock city code section 22-40, which prohibits the general discharge of weapons within city limits.

Fayetteville has a provision against hunting in city parks which also limits the possession of firearms, air rifles, and spring guns.

Fayetteville also prohibits the firing of guns within city limits except at designated gun clubs or firing ranges. The city has laid out some rules for how a gun club must operate in order to be exempt from the prohibition.

This article does not constitute legal advice. Check the current gun laws before purchasing or traveling with a firearm.

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Arkansas gun laws are in flux, but they do not allow cities and towns to make their own restrictions. Laws across the state should be consistent.
Arkansas, gun, laws, local, cities, towns
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2014-40-29
Monday, 29 December 2014 01:40 PM
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