LITTLE ROCK, AR – Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson signed into law a significant expansion of the state’s concealed carry regulations on Wednesday, now permitting licensed individuals with additional training to carry concealed weapons in previously restricted areas such as universities, airports, and even Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium.

The new legislation, effective from September 1, allows those who complete an additional eight hours of training to bring concealed weapons into various public venues. This decision immediately followed with contentious responses, particularly concerning sports venues and educational institutions.

In reaction to potential safety risks at athletic events, the Arkansas Senate swiftly moved to amend the new statute, voting 22-10 on Thursday to exempt college sporting events from the law. This bill is now progressing to the Arkansas House of Representatives for further consideration.

Critics of the law, such as State Rep. Greg Leding (D-Fayetteville), whose district includes the University of Arkansas, have expressed severe concerns. Leding described the law as a “dumb idea,” highlighting the increased risks of mixing alcohol consumption at games with access to firearms. “Sometimes people have a little bit to drink before they go to the game,” Leding remarked. “I just think it’s a really dumb idea to introduce loaded weapons into that situation.”

Despite these concerns, Governor Hutchinson defended the law by suggesting that enhancing the training for license holders could mitigate risks, including the unlikely scenario of a “bad guy” smuggling a weapon into a venue like Razorback Stadium. “A bad guy could get a gun into Razorback Stadium now,” said Hutchinson. “Under this current law, if you have got the enhanced training, then you would be able to go into that facility.”

The University of Arkansas had previously decided to keep firearms off campus, a policy supported by its Board of Trustees. With the new law, there is a notable shift in how security measures will be approached, requiring comprehensive training protocols that the Arkansas State Police will develop in consultation with college police officials.