Arkansas 2023 Regular Session

Arkansas House Bill HB1625

Introduced
3/14/23  

Caption

To Create And Issue A Driver's License With A Firearm Designation; And To Amend The Law Concerning The Fees For The Issuance Of A Driver's License.

Impact

The legislation reinforces the right to bear arms while integrating it into the administrative functions of the driver's licensing process. The proposed law stipulates that a driver's license with a firearm designation will be valid for five years, and applicants must pass a federal criminal background check before issuance. The bill also creates a mechanism to maintain the confidentiality of the information obtained from these checks, which could impact how data concerning gun ownership is handled by the state.

Summary

House Bill 1625 aims to establish a new category of driver's licenses in Arkansas that includes a firearm designation. The bill amends existing laws regarding the issuance of driver's licenses, specifically requiring that individuals who apply for or renew their licenses must undergo an instant federal criminal background check, which is to be conducted at no additional cost. This background check is intended to ensure that individuals authorized to carry firearms hold a valid license while safeguarding the rights guaranteed to them under the Constitution.

Contention

Notably, the bill's implications have raised concerns among various stakeholders, particularly regarding individual privacy and the role of government in firearm ownership oversight. Some critics argue that mandating a background check for a driver's license may establish a precedent that could be seen as intrusive or as a form of regulation over the Second Amendment rights. The bill's supporters, on the other hand, assert that the background check is a sensible safeguard that helps ensure responsible gun ownership within the population.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AR HB1045

An Act For The Department Of Labor And Licensing - Boards And Commissions Appropriation For The 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.

AR HB1071

An Act For The Department Of Labor And Licensing - Division Of Labor Appropriation For The 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.

AR SB44

An Act For The Department Of Health - Licensing And Regulation Boards Appropriation For The 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.

AR SB5

An Act For The Department Of Labor And Licensing - Workers' Compensation Commission Appropriation For The 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.

AR HB1097

To Amend The Revenue Stabilization Law; To Create Funds, To Repeal Funds, And To Make Transfers To And From Funds And Fund Accounts; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SB80

To Amend The Revenue Stabilization Law; To Create Funds, To Repeal Funds, And To Make Transfers To And From Funds And Fund Accounts; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SB79

To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023; To Provide For The Regulation Of Digital Asset Mining Businesses; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SR2

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill Amending The Revenue Stabilization Law, Creating Funds, Repealing Funds, And Making Transfers To And From Funds And Fund Accounts.

AR HR1011

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill Amending The Revenue Stabilization Law, Creating Funds, Repealing Funds, And Making Transfers To And From Funds And Fund Accounts.

AR HR1010

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Revenue Stabilization Law, To Create Funds, To Repeal Funds, And To Make Transfers To And From Funds And Fund Accounts.

Similar Bills

IL HB4501

CHILD CARE-BACKGROUND CHECK

NJ A5872

Requires volunteers, employees, and organizers of certain youth and sports organizations to receive criminal history record background checks.

MS HB1158

Medical Cannabis Act; revise certain provisions of.

CA AB2089

Volunteer firefighters: background checks.

NJ S1998

Establishes central registry for background checks of youth serving organization employees and volunteers.

NJ A1832

Establishes central registry for background checks of youth serving organization employees and volunteers.

NJ S1249

Establishes central registry for background checks of youth serving organization employees and volunteers.

NJ A1611

Establishes central registry for background checks of youth serving organization employees and volunteers.