Sweeping Reforms to Right To Carry Law Advance in Mississippi Legislature

On Wednesday, February 10, the Mississippi Senate voted 48 to 3 to pass Senate Bill 2153, sponsored by State Senator Merle Flowers (R-19).  As reported out of committee, the bill would have repealed the state ban on carrying in public parks -- a must-pass issue if Mississippi and reciprocal permit holders are to benefit from the federal law taking effect later this month that will allow carrying in national parks and wildlife refuges as long as there's no prohibition on the possession of firearms in parklands under state law. 

On the Senate floor, State Senator Joey Fillingane (R-41) offered an NRA-backed amendment to SB 2153, which inserted language into the bill similar to that found in House Bill 1502 by State Representative Warner McBride (D-10) -- a comprehensive bill reversing or rolling back most of the restrictions on where permit holders can lawfully carry.  HB 1502 had failed to advance from a House committee before a set legislative deadline.  For a summary of the provisions of HB 1502, which are now a part of SB 2153, please click here.  

Please take a moment to send a note of thanks to Senator Flowers ([email protected]) and to Senator Fillingane ([email protected]) for their work to advance this measure over to the Mississippi House.  And please begin contacting your State Representatives in support of SB 2153!