Ark. Legislature Approves Bill Banning Guns from College Football Games
The bill excludes college athletic events from a recently-passed campus carry law.
University of Arkansas Chancellor Joseph Steinmetz supported the passage of the bill.
A bill in Arkansas that would prevent concealed carry holders from bringing guns to college sporting events was approved by the House of Representatives March 30.
Representatives voted 71-20 in favor of Senate Bill 724, and it will now be sent back to the Senate for concurrence, reports 247sports.com.
The bill restricts Act 562, a new law that allows people with concealed gun permits who have completed a training course to bring their weapons onto college campuses, into court houses, bars and other locations.
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SB 724’s passage follows a statement by the Southeastern Conference opposing the concealed carry of guns at its events.
“It is our desire to see athletic events and sports venues exempted from HB1249,” SEC’s statement said. “Given the intense atmosphere surrounding athletic events, adding weapons increases safety concerns and could negatively impact the intercollegiate athletics program at the University of Arkansas in several ways, including scheduling, officiating, recruiting and attendance.”
The NRA, which supports Act 562, opposes SB 724.
University of Arkansas Chancellor Joseph Steinmetz also released a statement on SB 724’s passage.
“We have always been concerned about guns on campus,” the statement read. “That is why all along that we have wanted to keep the law as it was, leaving this important decision to our board of Trustees.”
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