Arkansas AG Clarifies Carry in Parks Law

 The Arkansas Capitol

On November 14, 2025, the Arkansas Attorney General (AG), Tim Griffin, clarified Arkansas law about the legal carry of firearms. The three question to be answered included: publicly owned buildings or facilities, the legal definition of an “athletic event” is in Arkansas law, and what type of carry is prohibited in statutorily prohibited spaces. The questions were asked by The Honorable Sonia Eubanks Barker, a Republican state representative with a pro-Second Amendment reputation.

AG opinions are not binding on judges. They are statements of what the Attorney General believes the law to be. They are often taken into account by prosecutors when determining whether to prosecute in a given circumstance.

AG Griffin’s response was detailed and encyclopedic. It is well crafted and an excellent read. The response explains Arkansas statutory law about the carry of firearms in considerable detail. The response also explains some of the intricacies of law and statutory interpretation. In addition to the lengthy response, the AG  provides brief summaries of his findings. AG Griffin found:

1. Arkansas statutes do not prohibit the open carry of firearms in municipal parks or athletic events. The statutes prohibit concealed carry at athletic events, and both open and concealed carry in municipal buildings and facilities unless the person has a endorsement to the Arkansas Concealed Carry permit showing they completed required training.

2. Athletic event is defined.  “athletic event” refers to organized sports activities—such as games, contests, or practices affiliated with school, leagues, or other entities—and does not include unorganized play.”

3. The prohibited places list for concealed carry in A.C.A. § 5-73-306 only applies to people carrying concealed weapons. There are numerous other statutes which contain more general prohibitions on the carry of weapons generally, whether openly or concealed. People with the endorsed Arkansas Concealed Carry permit are exempted from many of the prohibitions on concealed carry in A.C.A. § 5-73-306.

The laws governing where loaded concealed firearms may be legally carried in Arkansas have a long history as the legislature struggled to reform old law to be more compliant to the Second Amendment.  Arkansas today is a Constitutional Carry state. People who may legally own firearms may legally carry handguns in most public places, openly or concealed, without a permit. The intricacies of the law are in what places the legislature has designated where loaded firearms are not legally permitted at this time.

The Arkansas Legislature has approved a ballot measure to amend the Arkansas state Constitution with a strong protection of the right to keep and bear arms.

Analysis:

The statutes referred to by Arkansas AG Griffin were enacted, in large part, as incremental changes to reduce the number of “gun free” zones in the state of Arkansas. A person who intends to carry firearms for defense of self and others in Arkansas is advised to read the statutes and read AG Griffin’s opinion on the statutes.  Such reading will help to educate them about areas where carry of firearms are prohibited. 

Obtaining a state endorsement on an Arkansas Concealed Carry permit significantly reduces the number of prohibited places in Arkansas law. The endorsement is available through certified Arkansas firearm safety instructors and requires eight hours of training including live fire. The courses cost about $100 to $150 and require at least 100 rounds of ammunition. Renewal of the license is required every five years. A renewal course is required, which is reported to take about 30 minutes for a fee of about $40. Arkansas permits/licenses are only available to Arkansas residents.

©2025 by Dean Weingarten: Permission to share is granted when this notice and link are included.

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