(Editor’s Note: In an effort to inform voters about the issues that will be on the upcoming Nov. 3 general election ballot, the Herald is publishing a series of unbiased overviews put together by the Arkansas Public Policy Center, which is affiliated with the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension office in Little Rock.)
Issue 2 proposes changing Article 2 of the Arkansas Constitution regarding the right of citizens to keep and bear arms, and emphasizing that keeping and bearing arms are fundamental rights.
The proposed constitutional amendment specifies that this right includes the possession and use of ammunition, firearm accessories, and firearm components.
In addition to existing language for common defense, the proposal specifies the right to bear arms applies to hunting, recreational purposes, and any other lawful purpose.
This amendment is being proposed by the state legislature. It was sponsored by State Sen. John Payton of Wilburn and State Rep. Matt Duffield of Russellville.
Ballot Title: An amendment to the Arkansas Constitution to provide that the 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.
What Supporters Say
• The Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution deals with firearms, the right to keep and bear arms. I would argue that within the terminology “arms,” that includes ammunition, components and accessories but it is not specifically spelled out. In the Arkansas Constitution, it mentions also that it’s for their common defense. What this does is it is very clear that it includes ammunition, accessories and components, and it’s very clear that it’s recognized as an individual right. It is in my opinion trying to clarify the language to where people can’t take advantage of it being vague. • In a time when every tragedy results in renewed calls to disarm law-abiding citizens, SJR11 strengthens our Arkansas …