Arkansas Moms Demand Action, Everytown Condemn Governor Hutchinson’s Decision To Sign A Bill That Will Force Colleges to Allow Guns on Campus and Also Allow Concealed Handguns at Sporting Events, Bars and Airports

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The Arkansas chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, a part of Everytown for Gun Safety, today released the statement below in response to Governor Hutchinson signing HB 1249 into law, a bill that will force Arkansas’ public colleges and universities to allow anyone with a concealed carry permit and minimal training to carry hidden, loaded handguns on campus – including in classrooms, offices and most places on campus. It will allow concealed carry permit holders to carry hidden, loaded handguns in sensitive areas throughout the state, after the Senate amended the bill to not only force guns onto college campuses, but also to force public buildings and parks to allow guns and to allow concealed guns at crowded sporting events (including Razorback Stadium), bars and airports throughout the state. Nationwide, polling shows that 95 percent of college presidents and 94 percent of college faculty oppose guns on campus.

STATEMENT FROM AUSTIN BAILEY, VOLUNTEER CHAPTER LEADER WITH THE ARKANSAS CHAPTER OF MOMS DEMAND ACTION FOR GUN SENSE IN AMERICA:

“Being one of thousands of Arkansans fighting to stop this dangerous legislation has been an eye-opening experience. I’ve learned that our state legislators – and even our governor – listen to the gun lobby over their constituents and the people who will be directly affected by this legislation. That’s something we won’t soon forget. This legislation will make everyday life in Arkansas more dangerous. State legislators should know that passing this gun lobby priority will only motivate supporters of gun sense to get louder in Arkansas – our kids are at risk and we will not be silent while legislators gamble with their safety.”