The Scott County Republican Party welcomed representatives from Gun Owners of Arkansas (GO-AR) during its meeting Tuesday, May 5, where attendees heard updates on Arkansas gun laws, constitutional carry protections, and ongoing legislative efforts surrounding Second Amendment rights.
Several community members attended the meeting to hear from GO-AR President Gary Epperson and GO-AR board member Jessica Rice-Ree. Also present several candidates for office, including Sheri Thompson, candidate for Scott County Assessor, Jason Daggs, candidate for Scott County Sheriff, and Boyd Farmer, candidate for Mayor of the City of Mansfield.
Epperson spoke about his Scott County roots and shared how Gun Owners of Arkansas first began. He outlined the organization’s long-standing role in advocating for gun rights legislation across Arkansas, noting that many of the changes to Arkansas firearm laws over the past decade originated through the organization’s efforts.
During his remarks, Gary Epperson discussed the time and travel he dedicates each year to monitoring legislation and working with state lawmakers on firearm-related bills, including helping draft portions of legislation himself. He said that commitment also involves building and maintaining relationships in order to remain influential at the State Capitol.
“I receive phone calls from senior state officials anywhere from 10 p.m. till 2 or 3 in the morning regarding gun legislation and related issues,” Epperson said with a laugh.
Rice-Ree, who has been with GO-AR for nearly two years, addressed Arkansas constitutional carry laws and explained several differences between carrying with and without a permit.
According to Rice-Ree, carrying with a permit still comes with specific legal requirements and restrictions, including:
- Duty to inform law enforcement officers that you are armed
- Restrictions on carrying in bars or nightclubs
- Restrictions on carrying in businesses displaying “No Guns” signs
- Restrictions on carrying in churches without permission
- Restrictions on carrying in certain city parks and athletic events
Rice-Ree also discussed protections under Arkansas constitutional carry laws, explaining that Arkansans may legally carry a concealed firearm without a permit under current state law.
Additional topics included “Stand Your Ground” protections and differences in where concealed carry is permitted under Arkansas law.
Attendees were provided informational handouts outlining constitutional carry laws and permit requirements. Rice-Ree noted that there are currently 29 constitutional carry states nationwide, though reciprocity agreements and firearm laws can still vary from state to state. She also highlighted some benefits of GO-AR membership, including tours of firearm facilities, regular meetings, and events hosted throughout the year.
“We want to give you the correct information on gun laws and allow you to then make an educated decision on whether or not you want to have a concealed carry license,” Gary Epperson concluded. “We welcome and encourage questions.”
To learn more about Gun Owners of Arkansas, you can visit their Facebook page or visit their website.
