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Thank you for your message regarding "gun laws."
Let me try and address each of the concerns you have outlined.
With regard to your questions regarding carrying firearms in the open, including venues such as churches and parades, the record will reflect that I was a co-sponsor of Rep. Beverly Pyle's proposed legislation, HB 1237, that would have removed churches and other places of worship from the list of prohibited places for a person licensed to carry a concealed handgun. While the bill narrowly passed the House on a vote of 57-42, with 1 non voting member, it died in the Senate when the session closed earlier this year.
With regard to "bills such as Arkansas State Rep. Steve Harrelson, D-Texarkana" introduced, I will need further information in order to respond.
Finally, in response to "why do we pay a tax exercise (sic) our 2nd Amendment rights" and "getting rid of the Concealed Carry Tax," the Bureau of Legislative Research advises, "The State of Arkansas does not levy a tax on the right to carry a concealed weapon. However, there is a $144.25 license fee. The license is good for 5 years. The fee is broken down as follows:
$100 is the one time only nonrefundable application fee. It is levied in Arkansas statute 5-73-311.
$44.25 covers the cost of the applicant's fingerprinting which includes a $19.22 FBI fee. The additional $25.03 covers the cost of the state's automated fingerprint system and other equipment used while performing a criminal background check.
After 5 years, the renewal fee is $60.00 and covers the ACIC and fingerprinting background check performed prior to license renewal.
The application and renewal process is completed by the Arkansas State Police."
I hope this information will be helpful in addressing your concerns. Again, I appreciate hearing from you.
Warmest regards,
Karen Hopper
State Representative
This was the response to the letter. I still call it a tax when you have to pay for a license to exercises a right.
She still has my vote.
