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SJR 11

Relating to: restricting the governor’s partial veto authority to only rejecting entire bill sections of an appropriation bill that are capable of separate enactment and reducing appropriations in a bill (first consideration).

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Julian Bradley and 2 co-sponsors

SJR 11 amends Arkansas's Constitution to protect citizens' rights to keep and bear arms, ensuring possession and use for defense, hunting, and lawful purposes.

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Bill Summary · SJR 11

Summary of SJR 11: Constitutional Amendment to Protect the Right to Keep and Bear Arms

Bill Information:
- Bill Number: SJR 11
- Title: A Constitutional Amendment to Amend Arkansas Constitution, Article 2, § 5, to Protect the Right to Keep and Bear Arms
- Status: Approved by the Governor
- Introduced: February 5, 2025
- Classification: Joint Resolution

Purpose and Intent of the Bill

SJR 11 aims to amend the Arkansas Constitution to explicitly protect the right of citizens to keep and bear arms. The amendment emphasizes that this right is fundamental and should not be infringed upon. It seeks to clarify the scope of this right, including the possession and use of firearms, ammunition, and related accessories for various lawful purposes.

Key Provisions

The proposed amendment includes several significant changes to Article 2, § 5 of the Arkansas Constitution:

  1. Right to Keep and Bear Arms:

    • Citizens of Arkansas are guaranteed the right to keep and bear arms for:
      • Their common defense
      • Lawful hunting and recreational use
      • Any other lawful purpose

  2. Scope of the Right:

    • The right to keep and bear arms includes, without limitation:
      • Possession and use of ammunition
      • Firearm accessories
      • Firearm components

  3. Nature of the Right:

    • The amendment asserts that the right to keep and bear arms is a natural, fundamental, and individual right that shall not be infringed.

  4. Effective Date:

    • The amendment will take effect on January 1, 2027, if approved by voters.

  5. Ballot Title and Popular Name:

    • The amendment will be presented to voters under the title: "A Constitutional Amendment to Amend Arkansas Constitution, Article 2, § 5, to Protect the Right to Keep and Bear Arms."

Who Would Be Affected

The amendment primarily affects the citizens of Arkansas by reinforcing their rights regarding firearm ownership and use. It may also impact law enforcement and regulatory agencies by potentially limiting their ability to impose restrictions on firearms and related accessories.

Procedural Aspects

  • Legislative Journey:

    • SJR 11 was introduced on February 5, 2025, and underwent several amendments before being approved by the Governor on April 22, 2025.
    • The resolution passed through various readings and committee evaluations, with amendments adopted to refine the language and ensure clarity.

  • Next Steps:

    • The amendment will be submitted to voters during the next general election for Representatives and Senators, where a majority vote will determine its adoption.

This summary provides an overview of SJR 11, highlighting its intent, key provisions, and implications for Arkansas citizens regarding their right to keep and bear arms.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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