Tomorrow, the House Judiciary Committee is scheduled to consider multiple bills. Please contact members of the committee and urge them to OPPOSE House Bill 1655 and support both Senate Bill 400 and Senate Bill 403.
House Bill 1655, if passed, would expand the list of persons prohibited from owning firearms under Arkansas state law to include a large class of individuals who are (and would continue to be) under no federal firearm prohibition and who currently possess firearms lawfully. In addition, House Bill 1655 lacks the due process safeguards that are found in federal law, and does not provide a clear path for restoration of rights for persons who become disqualified.
While suppressor possession and use is currently legal in Arkansas, certain portions of state law could be misinterpreted. Senate Bill 400, sponsored by Senators Bob Ballinger and Trent Garner and Representative Justin Gonzales, would update that language and further clarify the legality of firearm suppressors in Arkansas.
Senate Bill 403, sponsored by state Senator Missy Irvin, would require the State Police to attempt to trade any forfeited firearm to a Federally Licensed Firearms Dealer for credit towards future purchases for the law enforcement agency. If they are unable to trade it, they are allowed to dispose of it how they deem necessary.
Again, please contact members of the House Judiciary Committee and urge them to OPPOSE House Bill 1655 and to support Senate Bill 400 and Senate Bill 403.