Mississippi: House Judiciary Committee Approves Important Right To Carry Legislation

Yesterday, the Mississippi House Judiciary Committee approved legislation that will make important changes to correct vague and problematic language in Mississippi’s firearm carry laws.  House Bill 2, introduced by state Representative Andy Gipson (R-Brandon) addresses a recent opinion by state Attorney General Jim Hood (D) that has caused additional confusion and concern among carry permit holders and Second Amendment advocates.  This bill is now eligible for a vote in the full House of Representatives, so please contact your state Representative today and encourage his or her support of this positive improvement to Mississippi law!

If passed and enacted, House Bill 2 would help to eliminate the confusion by striking the phrase “in whole or in part” after the word “concealed” where it appears in Section 97-37-1 of Mississippi law prohibiting the carrying of certain firearms or other deadly weapons.  It would also more clearly define the term “concealed” for carry permit holders and non-permittees.  For more information on the proposed reforms in the Magnolia State, click here.

State Senator Giles Ward (R-Louisville) has also introduced a companion bill to HB 2, Senate Bill 2212, which has been referred to the Senate Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks Committee.  This NRA-backed legislation would accomplish the same goals as HB 2.

Although a date has not been scheduled for a vote, please begin contacting your state Representative and urge him or her to support HB 2 and to oppose any amendments not acceptable to the bill sponsor.  Also, please contact members of the Senate Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks Committee and urge them to support SB 2212.

Senate Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks Committee Members:

Senator Giles Ward – Chairman

Phone: (601) 359-3250

[email protected]

Senator Angela Burks Hill – Vice Chairman

Phone: (601) 359-3226

[email protected]

Senator Gary Jackson

Phone: (601) 359-3234

[email protected]

Senator Sampson Jackson II

Phone: (601) 359-2886

[email protected]

Senator Chris Massey

Phone: (601) 359-2886

[email protected]

Senator Chris McDaniel

Phone: (601) 359-2395

[email protected]

Senator Philip Moran

Phone: (601) 359-3252

[email protected]

Senator Derrick T. Simmons

Phone: (601) 359-3221

[email protected]

Senator Bill Stone

Phone: (601) 359-3221S

[email protected]

Senator Gary Tollison

Phone: (601) 359-3244

[email protected]

Senator Michael Watson

Phone: (601) 359-2395

[email protected]