ARKANSAS STAND YOUR GROUND — An Arkansas House Committee has rejected legislation that would have eased the state’s restrictions on the use of deadly force in self-defense. The House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday rejected the so-called “Stand Your Ground” Senate Bill 24 proposal that would have removed “the duty to retreat” requirement in confrontations. Rep. Aaron Pilkington, R-Knoxville, was one of the House sponsors for bill.
When the bill’s sponsors were asked by Rep. Nicole Clowney, D-Fayetteville if Arkansas law enforcement agencies had contacted the legislature over a need for a “Stand Your Ground” bill, they said they had not. Currently the Arkansas Prosecutor’s Association and the Sheriff’s Association are neutral on the bill. Rep. Clowney expanded on this by explaining the results of a 2020 Arkansas poll which showed a majority are against changing state gun laws.
"Over 50% of Arkansas voters want no change in our gun laws. So, I do think we need to be careful about making broad generalizations like that," Clowney said.
According to the University of Arkansas poll, 30% of Arkansans surveyed wanted stricter gun laws, while 17% wanted less strict.
So after hearing three hours of testimony, the Senate-backed bill failed on a voice vote, and the committee’s chair quickly adjourned the meeting. However, this doesn’t mean the issue is dead for the session. Stand Your Ground bill Supporters could try again before the House Judiciary Committee or file a new bill.
Arkansas lawmakers voted on SB-24 this week.
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