An Arkansas House panel has rejected a proposal to force public universities to allow staff and faculty with concealed carry licenses to bring their guns on campus.
The measured failed Thursday in the House education committee on a tie vote.
The proposal by Republican Rep. Charlie Collins of Fayetteville would increase the scope of a 2013 law that permitted the weapons on campus, but allowed universities to opt-out.
All public universities in the state chose to bar concealed carry. Collins' bill would have removed the opt-out language from the law.
Proponents say the bill would help deter mass shootings from happening on Arkansas Campuses. Opponents say the change could stifle free speech.
Collins said after the meeting he wasn't sure if he would run the bill again.
