Bill > HB1057

This bill amends Arkansas law concerning firearm possession by certain individuals, primarily focusing on restoring firearm rights to nonviolent felons. Specifically, the bill creates an automatic restoration process for firearm possession rights for individuals who have committed certain nonviolent felonies, with restoration contingent on three key conditions: (1) the underlying felony did not involve violence and was not from an extensive list of serious criminal chapters (which includes offenses like homicide, sexual offenses, domestic violence, and others), (2) the felony occurred more than ten years ago (previously eight years), and (3) the individual has completed their sentence at least ten years prior. The bill maintains restrictions for people convicted of violent felonies, those adjudicated mentally ill, or those involuntarily committed to mental institutions. The legislation modifies penalties for firearm possession by felons, with violations potentially resulting in Class B, Class D felonies, or Class A misdemeanors depending on the specific circumstances of the prior conviction and current offense. By providing a clear pathway for firearm rights restoration, the bill aims to support rehabilitation and reintegration of nonviolent offenders while maintaining public safety protections.

Justice

https://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=hb1057&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R