Gunowners of Arkansas is extremely appreciative of our legislative body for listening to the concerns of Arkansas gun owners and approving Issue 2, “A Right to Keep and Bear Arms,” for Arkansas voters to decide in November. Issue 2 is a major step forward in protecting our right to keep and bear arms.
The proposed Arkansas Constitutional Amendment SJR11, now Issue 2, would create one of the strongest state protections for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms. The proposed amendment to Article 2, § 5 of the Arkansas Constitution would provide a more explicit and comprehensive protection for the right to keep and bear arms, potentially making Arkansas’ constitutional protection one of the strongest among the states.
It is essential that we continue engaging with Arkansans across the state and educating the public about the proposed Second Amendment-related changes contained in SJR11. Constitutional rights are not strengthened merely by their inclusion in text—they are strengthened when citizens understand them, actively defend them, and ensure they are preserved for future generations.
While the United States Constitution protects the right to keep and bear arms, SJR11 goes further by explicitly affirming in the Arkansas Constitution that this is a natural, fundamental, and individual right. This distinction is significant.
SJR11 clarifies that this right is not a privilege granted by government, nor one that exists at the discretion of public officials. Rather, it recognizes the right as inherent to the people.
The proposed language also affirms that this right extends beyond firearms themselves to include arms and their components, accessories, the right to hunt and fish, and other items necessary to exercise and maintain the right. This is critical, as technological advancements should not allow government to undermine constitutional protections by regulating the tools or components associated with their exercise.
Perhaps most importantly, SJR11 establishes the highest level of judicial scrutiny for this fundamental right. When government seeks to restrict a right recognized as natural and fundamental, it must meet an exceptionally high burden. Courts should not rely on speculative assertions, generalized interests, or policy preferences as sufficient justification for infringing upon a constitutionally protected right.
The intent of SJR11 is not to expand government authority over firearms, but rather to strengthen the constitutional protections that already exist by creating a more robust barrier between the individual and government interference.
This issue transcends any single law, individual, organization, or election. It is about affirming in our state Constitution that this right belongs to the people—and that government must meet the highest constitutional standard before it may be restricted.
We encourage all Arkansans to review the text of SJR11, ask informed questions, and participate in the constitutional process.
Most importantly, this proposed Second Amendment language makes the right to keep and bear arms in Arkansas even stronger than it is under both the current U.S. Constitution and our existing State Constitution, by elevating it to a clearly defined natural and fundamental right and by imposing the highest possible constitutional barrier against government infringement.
Gunowners of Arkansas encourages every supporter of this fundamental right to learn what Issue 2 does and vote YES on Issue 2 this November. Let’s strengthen our constitutional protection today and preserve it for generations to come.
Scroll down for the actual wording of Issue 2
