Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin’s office has clarified that firearms—both openly carried and concealed—are now permitted in state and municipal parks following recent amendments to state law.
Assistant Attorney General Justin Hughes briefed lawmakers Monday during the Game and Fish/State Police Subcommittee of the Arkansas Legislative Council, outlining how changes to Arkansas statutes have expanded where guns may legally be carried.
According to an opinion issued Friday by Hughes and approved by Griffin, laws still restrict firearms from city or state buildings and athletic events. However, individuals with an enhanced concealed carry endorsement may bring weapons into those athletic events under existing provisions.
Under the new amendments, guns are now allowed in 47 of Arkansas’ 52 state parks. The five parks where firearms remain prohibited are under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which maintains separate federal regulations:
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Bull Shoals–White River State Park
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Lake Ouachita State Park
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DeGray Lake Resort State Park
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Lake Dardanelle State Park
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Millwood State Park
City and state buildings remain off-limits for firearms, and Hughes’ opinion did not address the recent high-profile violence at Devil’s Den State Park.
In July, Clinton Brink, 43, and Cristen Brink, 41, were fatally stabbed while hiking with their daughters at Devil’s Den. Firearms were generally not allowed in state parks at that time. Andrew McGann, 29, has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the case. A gag order restricts officials from discussing evidence outside the courtroom.
Lawmakers did not raise the attack during Monday’s discussion.
The updated interpretation of Arkansas gun laws takes immediate effect, giving residents who can legally carry firearms broader ability to carry in most outdoor public recreation areas across the state.
