Fairfax, Va. – Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant signed House Bill 786 into law today, despite months of misleading attacks by out-of-state gun control groups funded by the former mayor of New York City, Michael Bloomberg. The law, which legalizes permitless carry in Mississippi, goes into effect immediately.
“Gov. Bryant stood strong for the Second Amendment by signing this significant bill, in spite of billionaire Michael Bloomberg’s attempts to spread lies about it,” said Chris W. Cox, executive director, National Rifle Association’s Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA). “It’s a great day for law-abiding gun owners in Mississippi. This will allow them to carry firearms for personal protection in the manner that best suits their needs.”
House Bill 786 accomplishes the following:
- Expands current permitless carry options to include belt and shoulder holsters. Legislation passed in 2015 had 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 United States or Mississippi Constitutions.
“Mississippi has a strong pro-Second Amendment culture, and this new law strengthens that,” Cox said. “The NRA would like to thank Governor Phil Bryant, legislative leaders Speaker Philip Gunn and Lt. Governor Tate Reeves, bill author Rep. Andy Gipson and Senate Judiciary A chairman Sen. Sean Tindell for their critical roles in enacting this measure into law. We'd also like to thank the NRA members and like-minded supporters of liberty who contacted their lawmakers throughout the session in support of this legislation.”
Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America's oldest civil rights and sportsmen's group. More than five 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 NRA on Facebook and Twitter @NRA.
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