HB1018

House Bill 1018 authorizes members of a municipal fire department bomb squad to carry concealed handguns under specific conditions. To qualify, members must complete a part-time law enforcement officer course, be acting in their official capacity, and possess proper identification. The bill imposes requirements such as maintaining clear disciplinary records, being free of substance impairment, and having fingerprint records on file. It amends existing Arkansas statutes to grant these bomb squad members the same exemptions from weapon restrictions as law enforcement officers, correctional officers, and members of the armed forces. Specifically, this allows them to carry firearms on school property and within certain publicly owned buildings, including the State Capitol and the Arkansas Justice Building. The legislation aims to integrate bomb squad members into the existing legal framework for law enforcement firearm carry privileges while performing their duties.