Senate advances right to bear arms amendment; Senate leader says prison funding likely stalled

The Arkansas Senate voted 28-7 Thursday (April 10) to advance a proposed constitutional amendment to protect the right to keep and bear arms.

SJR 11, by Sen. John Payton, R-Wilburn, 14 other senators and 47 state representatives, would provide that “citizens of the state of Arkansas shall have the right to keep and bear arms for their common defense, for lawful hunting and recreational use, and for any other lawful purpose; providing that the right to keep and bear arms includes without limitation the possession and use of ammunition, firearm accessories, and firearm components; and providing that the right to keep and bear arms is a natural, fundamental, and individual right that shall not be infringed.”

The proposed amendment could be the second amendment that state lawmakers in the 95th General Assembly refer to voters for the 2026 general election. They are allowed to refer up to three proposals.

Earlier this session, House members selected HJR 1018, the Citizens Only Voting Amendment, which stipulates “only a citizen of the United States meeting the qualifications of an elector under this section may vote in an election in this state.”

The Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Arkansas was lobbying for SJR 15, a constitutional amendment concerning economic development in the state of Arkansas and authorizing the General Assembly to provide for the creation of economic development districts to promote economic development.

Several Republican lawmakers have advocated for SJR 13, an amendment to allow for partisan election of judges for Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals, and Circuit or District judges. The proposal would allow a candidate for those offices to declare their party affiliation or select independent status.

In another major development on Thursday, Senate President Pro Tempore Bart Hester, R-Cave Springs, told content partner KARK News that he did not plan to push for another vote on Gov. Sarah Sanders’ $750 million prison funding appropriation.

“I do not plan to ask for another vote at this time,” Hester said.

That could change if the Senate were to conjure up 27 votes for passage. Earlier this week, the bill mustered 21 votes on its fifth failed attempt. It received fewer votes in previous votes.

Lawmakers approved $75 million two years ago for initial work on the new state prison, which was later revealed to be located in Franklin County. It would house 3,000 prisoners and employ up to 800 workers.

Franklin County residents and some legislative critics have argued the site is unsuitable for a state prison.

The $75 million that has already been appropriated can be used for initial environmental and site studies. Lawmakers and the governor can try for additional funding in next year’s fiscal session.