Laws Concerning Carrying Concealed Firearms on Campus in Arkansas

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In 2013, the Arkansas Legislature passed and the Governor signed into law, Act 226, which provides for faculty at Arkansas colleges and universities to carry concealed weapons.  The law contains a major provision – schools can opt-out of the law on an annual basis.  For four years, every single 2 and 4-year college has exercised their “opt-out” right, effectively keeping concealed weapons off all campuses in Arkansas.

In 2015, legislation was signed (Act 1078), to allow persons with a concealed carry permit to leave a weapon locked in their car in K-12 (public only) parking lots, designated drop-off zones, and public parking lots. With respect to public colleges and universities, the law permits guns to be locked in cars public parking lots, and decks on campus.

In 2017, the Arkansas Legislature passed Act 562, which allows individuals who have passed Arkansas’ “enhanced certification-training course” to carry concealed weapons on campus. Act 859 allows colleges and universities to exempt medical facilities, sporting facilities, disciplinary meetings, school-sponsored K-12 programs, and childcare facilities.

Arkansas Northern College 2 Year
Arkansas State University 4 Year
Arkansas Tech University 4 Year
Black River Technical College 2 Year
College of the Ouachitas 2 Year
East Arkansas Community College 2 Year
Henderson State University 4 Year
National Park College 2 Year
North Arkansas College 2 Year
Northwest Arkansas Community College 2 Year
Ozarka College 2 Year
Phillips Community College of University of Arkansas 2 Year
South Arkansas Community College 2 Year
Southeast Arkansas College 2 Year
Southern Arkansas University 4 Year
Southern Arkansas University Tech 2 Year
University of Arkansas 4 Year
University of Arkansas Community College – Batesville 2 Year
University of Arkansas Community College – Morrilton 2 Year
University of Arkansas – Cassatot 2 Year
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences 4 Year
University of Arkansas – Fort Smith 4 Year
University of Arkansas – Hope, Texarkana 4 Year
University of Arkansas – Little Rock 4 Year
University of Arkansas – Monticello 4 Year
University of Arkansas – Pine Buff 4 Year
University of Arkansas – Pulaski Tech 2 Year
University of Arkansas – Rich Mountain 4 Year
University of Central Arkansas 4 Year

Updated:  June 24, 2022

Disclaimer: Policies are subject to change at any time, both during and between school years. In addition, individual school policies commonly include more details than can be succinctly captured by ArmedCampuses.org. Each school should be consulted for its most accurate, up-to-date policy.