Arkansas Open Carry Bill Fails To Clear Committee

A proposal to allow the open carry of handguns in some parts of Arkansas has once again failed to  clear a House panel.

The House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday voted 10-5 in favor of the measure, falling one vote short of the majority needed to advance to the full House. The bill failed before the panel by a two-vote margin last month.

The proposal would have allowed open carry in unincorporated areas of the state and would have protected concealed carry permit-holders who inadvertently display their weapons.

The measure by Republican Rep. Sue Scott originally called for open carry everywhere in the state with some exceptions.  

The Arkansas State Police opposed the bill. Republican House Speaker Davy Carter and Democratic Gov. Mike Beebe have said they oppose open carry.