An Arkansas House panel has advanced a proposal to eliminate the governor's emergency power to regulate guns during a disaster.
The House Committee on State Agencies and Governmental Affairs on Wednesday approved the measure by a 13-4 vote.
It would remove from the list of emergency powers granted to the governor the ability to regulate guns.
Currently the governor may, in the case of a disaster emergency, suspend or limit the sale, distribution and transportation of firearms.
He also has enhanced powers to regulate alcohol, explosives, and combustibles.
Proponents of the measure said it was needed to protect the Second Amendment. Opponents said they didn't want to impede the governor's ability to adequately lead the state's response to a catastrophe.
The bill now heads to the full House for consideration.