Group offers review of laws, rights in state on weapons
Representatives of Gun Owners of Arkansas hosted an educational event Thursday night at the Forrest City Civic Center.
Gary Epperson, president of the group, explained to those attending that the group is a non-profit organization that is passionate about educating Arkansans about their gun rights. He then turned the session over the Tim Loggins, vice president of the group.
Loggins explained that gun ownership is not only a national right, but a state right.
Those attending were provided a short list of Arkansas laws, outlining gun rights in the state, including sections in the state’s constitution.
He said there is a lot of misinformation around carrying a weapon in Arkansas.
"How many of y'all have heard you need a permit to carry concealed? How many of y'all still think you need a permit to carry a concealed weapon?" asked Loggins. "That is incorrect."
Loggins said state law shows, "A person commits the offense of carrying a weapon if they have a handgun, knife or club on or about their person, in their vehicle or otherwise readily available with the intent to unlawfully employ the weapon against a person."
"You do not need a permit to carry in Arkansas, concealed or unconcealed," said Loggins, saying it is in the state's constitution that "people have the right to keep and bear arms for their common defense."
Loggins also explained the nuances around carrying weapons in publicly-owned buildings, saying that weapons could not be loaded.
The group also provided the public with a handout showing what a person can and cannot do with or without a concealed carry license as well as exceptions when educational events occurred.
"There is a lot of misinformation on the permit scheme," said Loggins. "Never has there been a law where you couldn't open carry."
He explained that some gun laws came about from illegal poaching in Arkansas.
"Because of the problem they were having with poachers, they passed a rule," said Loggins, explaining the rule stated weapons in the car used to be seen as an intent to poach then Arkansas began to issue permits like other states.
"In 2013, we realized we don't need a permit in Arkansas, so we amended 5-73-120," said Loggins.
He told attendees that in 2019, the law was used in a court case and is now backed by a court ruling.
Loggins said people also need to realize that most laws in the nation were also rooted in racism and trying to keep guns out of the hands of African-Americans.
"Up until 1968, as long as you served your time, you were able to be gun owners," explained Loggins, who added the rule changed after the Reagan administration enacted rules specifically targeting ex-felons.
Loggins said that while he supports law enforcement, it is not law enforcement's job to protect each individual but is each individual's right to protect themselves.
The group also entertained questions from the audience concerning juveniles traveling to different areas to hunt.
A member of the Game and Fish Commission explained that as long as the youth in question had gone through the legal steps of obtaining a hunting license, they could drive with a weapon in the car while on their way to hunting grounds.
Loggins added that vehicles count as an extension of a person’s home, and is also defined as the youth on a "journey,” which could also theoretically be used as a defense on carrying on a school property.
Another member of the audience asked about seizures of weapons from homes from federal agents, specifically IRS agents and if local law enforcement is allowed to defend residents.
"We sponsored a bill last session, Bill 298, which basically says no state officer would enforce any unconstitutional federal executive action to loss," said Loggins. "It ultimately failed in the House. "
Loggins further stated they were able to negotiate that local law enforcement officers in Arkansas will assist or help federal agents trying to enforce an unconstitutional act.
"It wasn't just about guns, though," said Loggins. "If we take care of our state, what the federal government does doesn't matter. If we don't take care of our state, what the federal government does doesn't matter. We have to control our home. We have to control our cities, towns and school boards. We have to get involved and stand up."