Pro-Gun Law Goes Into Effect Immediately
Fairfax, Va. – Important legislation passed earlier this year, and backed by National Rifle Association, will go into effect immediately due to a significant ruling by the Supreme Court of Mississippi on Thursday. The Supreme Court granted the appeal sought by state Attorney General Jim Hood (D) and determined that a Hinds County Circuit Court Judge incorrectly found House Bill 2 to be “vague and unconstitutional.” The Supreme Court vacated the Circuit Court’s order which had prevented the law from taking effect. HB 2 is now the law of the land in Mississippi.
The National Rifle Association, Governor Phil Bryant (D), and a bi-partisan coalition of 80 pro-Second Amendment state legislators, including bill sponsors Representative Andy Gipson (R-Brandon) and Senator Giles Ward (R-Louisville), each submitted separate “friend of the court” briefs in this case supporting House Bill 2.
House Bill 2 clarified the definition of "concealed" and the manner in which firearms may be carried by those with and without a concealed carry license. Prior law prohibited the carrying of handguns concealed “in whole or in part.” It also had been interpreted to require concealed carry licensees to keep their handguns fully concealed at all times. Under HB 2, a person does not violate the law merely by carrying a visible holstered handgun. Existing restrictions concerning prohibited persons and places, however, remain enforceable.
-NRA-
Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America's oldest civil rights and sportsmen's group. More than four million members strong, NRA continues to uphold the Second Amendment and advocates enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime. The Association remains the nation's leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the armed services. Be sure to follow the NRA on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NationalRifleAssociation and on Twitter @NRA.