Victory for Gun Sense: Arkansas Moms Demand Action, Everytown Applaud Defeat of Dangerous Bills This Session

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Volunteers with the Arkansas chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, today marked the official end of the legislative session by applauding the defeat of dangerous gun bills:

HB 1059/SB 484, which would have threatened public safety by altering self-defense laws to add “Stand Your Ground” provisions. Stand Your Ground laws embolden people to shoot to kill even when there is a safe way to avoid the situation. The bill garnered national attention after Sen. Stephanie Flowers delivered a powerful speech highlighting the disproportionate and deadly effects of Stand Your Ground on communities of color.

HB 1694/SB 614, which would have forced public facilities to allow anyone with a permit to carry guns on their premises and in their buildings, including hospitals, courthouses, sporting arenas and the Little Rock Zoo. The bill would also have forced K-12 schools to allow guns on their property, public daycare centers to allow guns in their facilities and colleges to allow almost anyone to walk on to a campus with a gun.

SB 660, which would have allowed students with enhanced carry permits to store handguns in their dorm rooms or student housing.

“These victories prove how powerful we all can be when we stand together and make our voices heard to our elected officials,” said Eve Jorgensen, volunteer leader with the Arkansas chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. “From standing with our gun sense champions in the legislature to testifying at hearing after hearing and mobilizing our communities to take action, our chapter has never stopped fighting for common-sense gun laws and gun violence prevention. Today, we are proud to celebrate the safer Arkansas we have created together.”

This legislative session, the Arkansas chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America supported lawmakers in the successful efforts to defeat these bills by:

Organizing an advocacy day with over 120 Moms Demand Action volunteers to educate members of the legislature about the dangers these bills presented.

Delivering a petition signed by 2,000 Arkansans to oppose Stand Your Ground legislation.

Maintaining a consistent presence at the Capitol by regularly testifying before legislative committees in opposition to bills that would threaten Arkansas communities.

Driving thousands of calls and digital messages to lawmakers urging them to side with public safety and reject these bills.