(a) The Director of the Division of Arkansas State Police may issue a license to carry a concealed handgun to a person qualified as provided in this subchapter.
(b)
(1) For new licenses issued after July 31, 2007, the license to carry a concealed handgun is valid throughout the state for a period of five (5) years from the date of issuance.
(2) After July 31, 2007, upon renewal, an existing valid license to carry a concealed handgun shall be issued for a period of five (5) years.
(c)
(1)
(A) After July 31, 2007, a license or renewal of a license issued to a former elected or appointed sheriff of any county of this state shall be issued for a period of five (5) years.
(B) The license issued to a former elected or appointed sheriff is revocable on the same grounds as other licenses.
(2)
(A) The former elected or appointed sheriff shall meet the same qualifications as all other applicants.
(B) However, the former elected or appointed sheriff is exempt from the fee prescribed by § 5-73-311(a)(2) and from the training requirements of § 5-73-309(13) for issuance.