LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) – Some Republican lawmakers in Arkansas say they will push to expand gun owners’ rights when the Legislature reconvenes next month.
The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reports that some Democrats are pushing back with a proposed law that would allow for temporary seizure of weapons from people deemed dangerous to themselves and others.
One of the first bills to be filed ahead of the 2019 legislative session is a proclamation to make the shotgun Arkansas’ official state gun. Republicans say other potential bills would expedite the process for domestic-abuse victims to get concealed-carry licenses and strengthen concealed-carry laws at the city and county level.
Many of the Democratic candidates elected to Congress in November supported increased restrictions on guns, and Democrats won back the U.S. House. But in Arkansas, Republicans still hold strong majorities in both the state House and Senate.
One Republican lawmaker, Rep. Charlie Collins, lost his Fayetteville-area seat to Democrat Denise Garner, a gun-control supporter.