ARK GOV ON HATE CRIMES - In the wake of the recent mass shootings in El Paso, Texas and Dayton, Ohio-- Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson has been vocal about things like Red-Flag Laws which would allow guns to be taken from people deemed at risk of committing violence. He also has taken a stance on urging legislation on Hate Crimes in the state. As of now, Arkansas is one of four states that does not allow an increased penalty for anyone who violently attacks individuals simply because of their race or religious beliefs. During a radio address last Friday, Governor Hutchinson announced his plans to change that.
"Today, I am asking the General Assembly to pass legislation that will allow an enhanced penalty for a hate crime," Hutchinson said. "I do not want Arkansas to be one of those states that does not increase the punishment for a person who is convicted of harming someone under these circumstances. I want Arkansas to say loudly and clearly that we are not going to tolerate violence inflicted on a person because of that person’s status."
Currently the only Arkansas law that enhances punishment is Act 332, which increases the penalty for someone who is convicted of targeting a law-enforcement officer.
