Public colleges and universities in Arkansas would be required to allow staff and faculty with concealed carry licenses to carry their guns onto campus under a bill approved by a House committee.
The House Education Committee voted Thursday for the reworked measure that was narrowly defeated earlier this month.
Republican Rep. Charlie Collins of Fayetteville amended the bill so that guns are banned from on-campus day cares and to allow institutions to require active shooter training for licensees. The bill expands a 2013 law that allowed guns on campus - but allowed universities to opt-out, which all 33 institutions in the state did.
Collins says the change will help deter mass shootings - opponents worry it will stifle free speech.
The bill now goes to the full House.
