Senate committee approves bill to halve concealed-carry permit fee; state police warn of $1.4 million shortfall

The Senate City, County & Local Affairs Committee on Monday passed Senate Bill 17, a measure to reduce the fee for a new concealed-carry handgun permit from $100 to $50 and to lower renewal fees from $35 to $25. Sponsor Senator Garner said the change would put Arkansas among the lowest-fee states in the region and could improve reciprocity with neighboring states.

Senator Garner told the panel: "It would cut the concealed carry fee for a new permit by half from $100 to $50" and argued the change would reduce the financial burden on permit holders. He framed the permit as a cost borne by individual Arkansans, saying the state should not "tax the taxpayers for something in inconsequential" ways and urged the committee for a favorable vote.

The bill drew pushback from some members and questions about its fiscal impact. Bill Bridal, director of the Arkansas State Police, told senators the concealed-carry licensing program was created in 1995 and that its fee revenue has been counted as special revenue supporting State Police salaries, fringe benefits and training. Bridal said the department's "main concern" is a projected $1,400,000 fiscal shortfall if the fee is cut and that the agency "would have to make the appropriate adjustments" unless the legislature provides replacement funding.

Mary Claire McCluren, legislative director and attorney in the concealed-handgun section, cited Arkansas law on recognition of out-of-state permits and said Arkansas recognizes permits from other states under the state's reciprocity statute. She told the committee the program generates roughly $3,000,000 in fee revenue in a typical year, while the department's cost to run the program is about $500,000.

Senators debated trade-offs between lowering fees and preserving special-revenue funding for the State Police. Several members said they supported helping permit holders while also urging the legislature to identify a replacement revenue source; Senator Garner said he is preparing a separate proposal to raise certain driving-record fees to offset the shortfall.

After limited debate and a roll-call request, the committee voted to advance the bill, with the chair announcing the measure passed by a vote of 5 to 3. The committee recorded several members' votes during roll call. The committee indicated it would work with the governor's office and the State Police on options to replace lost revenue.

The committee's action sends SB17 to the next stage of consideration in the Senate. Implementation of any revenue changes would be subject to later appropriations and potential companion bills addressing replacements for the special-revenue shortfall.