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Weapon Permit Good In FloridaPublished Wednesday, July 21, 1999 in the Gurdon TimesMIKE ROSS STATE SENATOR, DISTRICT 36 Earlier this month, Florida became the eighth state to officially recognize Arkansas concealed weapons permits. Arkansas licenses to carry concealed handguns are valid to Florida, Arizona, Kentucky, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Utah. According to the Arkansas State Police, which issues concealed weapons permits, no other states are currently under consideration for reciprocal agreements. There are 22,882 Arkansas citizens with a permit to carry a concealed weapon. There are 350 certified instructors in handgun safety. People who apply for a concealed handgun permit must successfully complete a firearm training course taught by one of the certified instructors. In the 1999 legislative session, the Arkansas General Assembly passed amendments to the concealed weapon statute. Act 487 sets the fee for getting a permit at $100. It sets the renewal fee at $35, with a $15 penalty for a late renewal. Act 786 allows a permit holder to carry any handgun he or she wishes. Previously, permit holders had to list and describe three handguns that they intended to carry. A person with an unrestricted permit may carry a handgun of any type, including a semiautomatic handgun. A person with a restricted license may carry any type of handgun that is not semiautomatic. Act 51 allows people with concealed weapons permits to buy handguns without having to go through instant background checks required by the Brady bill. The background check is considered an unnecessary duplication of paperwork for holders of concealed weapons permits, because they undergo background checks in order to get permits. To qualify for a permit, an applicant cannot be a chronic abuser of controlled substances and cannot be a chronic user of alcoholic beverages to the extent that his or her faculties are impaired. Also, applicants will be denied if they have been declared mentally incompetent by a court. Applicants are disqualified if they have been committed, voluntarily or involuntarily, to a mental health treatment facility. Arkansas State Police may deny applications of people who have been found guilty of committing violent crimes. Applicants must be 21 and must have been Arkansas residents for at least a year. Applicants must submit their fingerprints to the State Police, and must sign a waiver granting the State Police access to their medical records and their criminal histories. The State Police shall maintain the confidentiality of the medical records. There are numerous places where firearms are prohibited, whether or not you have a concealed weapons permit. Permit holders cannot carry handguns into police stations, sheriffs' offices or State Police stations. They may not carry handguns into the state Capitol, state offices, prisons, jails, courthouses, polling places or public parks. Other areas where concealed handguns are prohibited include schools, colleges, airports, places where athletic events are being held, places where legislative or public meetings are held and establishments that serve alcohol. The State Police shall revoke the license of anyone proven to have consumed alcoholic beverages while carrying a concealed handgun. It is considered conclusive proof that you have been drinking if there is an open container of alcoholic beverage in the vehicle you are driving or in which you are an occupant. Search | Nevada County Picayune by date | Gurdon Times by date |
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