Arkansas House Bill HB1784

Arkansas 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/29/23
• Refer: 3/29/23
• Report Pass: 3/30/23
• Engrossed: 4/4/23
• Refer: 4/4/23
• Report Pass: 4/6/23
• Enrolled: 4/10/23
• Chaptered: 4/12/23
• Passed: 4/12/23

Caption

To Amend The Law Concerning Concealed Handguns; And To Protect The Rights Of Medical Marijuana Patients And Caregivers To Obtain A License To Carry A Concealed Handgun.

Impact

The passage of HB1784 is aimed at clarifying that medical marijuana patients do not lose their rights to carry concealed firearms solely based on their medical status. This amendment brings significant changes to the application process for concealed carry permits, ensuring that individuals who are registered medical marijuana patients are not discriminated against in the process. Additionally, the bill specifies that the Arkansas Department of Health shall not disclose personal identification details of these patients when performing background checks necessary for granting handgun licenses.

Summary

House Bill 1784 was introduced to amend the laws concerning concealed handguns in Arkansas, specifically to protect the rights of medical marijuana patients and caregivers regarding their eligibility to obtain a concealed carry license. The bill emphasizes that a person's status as a qualifying patient or designated caregiver under the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment should not hinder their ability to secure a concealed carry permit. This amendment seeks to align firearm rights with the rights afforded to medical marijuana users under state law.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB1784 has been notably supportive among proponents who argue that it upholds the second amendment rights of individuals while also respecting the privacy and rights of medical marijuana users. Advocates view this bill as a necessary advancement in recognizing and protecting the rights of individuals who seek both medical cannabis and self-defense options. However, there may also be concerns from some sectors regarding the implications of this law on overall public safety and the complexities of drug use in conjunction with firearm ownership.

Contention

While many stakeholders endorsed the bill, there were debates surrounding the implications of allowing medical marijuana patients to carry concealed firearms. Critics expressed concerns regarding potential risks associated with the intersection of drug usage and firearm possession, fearing it could complicate law enforcement efforts and lead to safety issues. Moreover, there are underlying tensions regarding how laws interact at the intersection of health and firearm regulations, which were highlighted during discussions leading to the bill's eventual legislative actions.