LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- The House approved a proposal to make secret the list of about 130,000 residents who carry concealed weapons. Lawmakers voted 84-3 on Tuesday to approve the measure to exempt the conceal-and-carry permit list from Arkansas' Freedom of Information Act.
Media organizations opposed the change. They argue it would undermine a compromise approved by lawmakers in 2009 that restricts access for some - but not all - information about the permits. Current law allows the state to release only the names and ZIP codes of permit holders.
After passing the Senate this month, the measure now heads to Gov. Mike Beebe. The Democrat told reporters on Tuesday before the House vote that he doesn't support the bill but declined to say whether he would veto it.
Media organizations opposed the change. They argue it would undermine a compromise approved by lawmakers in 2009 that restricts access for some - but not all - information about the permits. Current law allows the state to release only the names and ZIP codes of permit holders.
After passing the Senate this month, the measure now heads to Gov. Mike Beebe. The Democrat told reporters on Tuesday before the House vote that he doesn't support the bill but declined to say whether he would veto it.
