Mississippi: Carry Reform, Park Carry Bill Signed into Law!

Governor Haley Barbour (R) has signed SB 2862, NRA-backed legislation sponsored by State Senator Gray Tollison (D-9), into law!  As introduced and passed by the Senate, Senate Bill 2862 will allow retired law enforcement officers to qualify to carry a concealed firearm without a permit under federal law by obtaining certification from the Mississippi Association of Chiefs of Police. 

State Representative Warner McBride (D-10) successfully added a House floor amendment to SB 2862 that repeals the current state ban on the possession of firearms in public parks by Mississippi Right-To-Carry permit holders.  This change in state law will allow permit holders to carry in state parks and to benefit from the new federal law that removed a ban on the possession of firearms in national parks and wildlife refuges located in the state. 

Thanks to all of you who contacted your state lawmakers in support of eliminating this unnecessary restriction on permit holders!  NRA-ILA also appreciates the efforts of State Senator Merle Flowers (R-19), State Senator Alan Nunnelee (R-6), State Senator Perry Lee (R-35) and State Senator Chris McDaniel (R-42) this session to roll back restrictions on where permittees may lawfully carry.