Despite months of misleading attacks by New York gun control advocate and billionaire Michael Bloomberg and his anti-gun state groups, Everytown for Gun Safety and Moms Demand Action, the Mississippi Senate overwhelmingly approved NRA-backed House Bill 786 today by a 36-14 vote. Thank you to those NRA members and Second Amendment supporters who contacted their elected officials in support of HB 786 throughout the legislative process!
House Bill 786 accomplishes the following:
- Expands current permitless carry options to include belt and shoulder holsters. (Legislation passed in 2015 authorized Mississippians who are eligible to possess a firearm under state and federal law to carry a pistol or revolver without a license in purses, handbags, satchels, other similar bags or briefcases or fully enclosed cases)
- Allows church authorities to develop security programs that designate enhanced carry permit holders or those with military or law enforcement backgrounds to protect places of worship and receive the benefits of existing protections under the state’s “Castle Doctrine” law
- Prohibits state or local enforcement of federal executive orders or agency regulations not approved by Congress which conflict with the Constitution of the United States or the Mississippi Constitution
If the House concurs with the Senate amendments to HB 786 and Governor Phil Bryant (R) signs the bill, as expected, Mississippi will become the ninth state to widely recognize a law-abiding adult’s ability to carry a concealed pistol or revolver for personal protection without government-mandated permitting or fees. The measure would take effect upon the governor’s signature.
NRA-ILA would like to thank Senate and House leaders, Lieutenant Governor Tate Reeves (R) and Speaker Philip Gunn (R), as well as the sponsor, state Rep. Andy Gipson (R-Braxton), and key committee chairman state Sen. Sean Tindell (R-Gulfport), for their leadership on this important bill. Please send them a quick note of thanks for their key support.
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Additionally, over the last few legislative days, the House gave final approval to NRA-supported Senate Bill 2313, sponsored by Sen. Tindell. SB 2313 eliminates the redundant, unnecessary and rarely-enforced requirement that lawful owners of firearm sound suppressors register those items with the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. House Bill 1300, sponsored by state Rep. Joey Hood (R-Ackerman), NRA-backed legislation to expand legal protections for established shooting ranges in the state, received approval from the full Senate and has been sent back to the House for anticipated agreement with Senate amendments.
Your NRA-ILA will continue to keep you updated as more information becomes available.
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