House Bill 1623 came up for a House vote this morning and was passed almost unanimously, 98-1 and one no show. Rep. Lindsley Smith was the only "no" vote, the same one that voted against it in Committee.

This is an overwhelming majority and should tell others that the House believes that the names of concealed carry permit holders have a reasonable expectation of privacy and irresponsible publication's "right to know" ends where our right to privacy begins.

Now the Bill will go to the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Here's a report by KUAR on the committee hearing that happened yesterday.

Arkansas Times notes the developments. I like Kesandra's comments in the comment section, "Posting the list was not the Times' creative and original idea. If you read the Commercial Appeal articles, you will see that the Times' action, argument, and response borders on plagiarism. They knew exactly what to expect when they posted that list." Zing!

And another by Arkansas Times sympathizer John Williams.

Here's the ARDEMGAZ's article in todays paper.

David Kinkade, "Seal of Approval: House passes “Max’s Law” sealing info on concealed carry permits. Max's law, I love it.

American Spectator, "Brantley has since defended his post and argued the information was public record and that he, as a journalist and editor of the Arkansas Times, and his post was protected by the freedom of the press. While this is true in theory, in practice, it doesn't reveal good judgment or demonstrate solid journalistic practices. Brantley told a local radio station his motive was pure and simple. "I think we need to know who among us is walking around with a gun." Skewed logic and motive aside -- guns don't kill people, etc. -- freedom of the press might have saved Brantley's post if it was only clear what piece of investigative reporting he was trying to uncover." Emphasis mine.

Now it will go to the Senate Judiciary Committee, and it will need our help. Call your State Senators, email this story to your friends and have them contact their Senators, urge them to be co-sponsors. Remember this committee is the one that killed the "churches" legislation.

As soon as I know when it will be scheduled to be brought up before the Senate Committee I will let you know here. Keep checking back.