Guns on Campus Bill Headed to Gov. Beebe's Desk for Signature

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- The Arkansas Senate has sent a bill to Governor Beebe that would allow guns onto college campuses.

But it comes with a catch.

The bill sponsor knew early on that if he tried to force guns onto college campuses, his bill would go nowhere, so Representative Charlie Collins threw in an opt-out, and now his bill is headed to Governor Beebe.

The guns on campus bill allows faculty and staff with concealed carry permits to bring their weapon into the classroom, but with one very important exception: a university can opt-out by holding a vote once a year.

That means if the University of Arkansas opted out, every U of A campus, including UALR in Little Rock, would remain a gun-free campus.

Republican Bart Hester of Cave Springs says, "It is certainly not as far reaching as the universities would like. The universities, 2-year and 4-year, and the state police have agreed to stay neutral on this bill."

Neutral at the state capitol usually adds up to your bill making it through.

The Senate voted 31-4 to send guns on campus to Governor Beebe's desk, where he's indicated he will sign it.