Mississippi Senate Approves NRA-Backed Permitless Carry Bill

Fairfax, Va.— After months of misleading attacks by out-of-state gun control groups funded by former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, today the Mississippi Senate overwhelmingly approved NRA-backed House Bill 786 on a 36-14 vote.

“The NRA thanks Mississippi lawmakers for seeing through the lies and misinformation spread by New York City billionaire Michael Bloomberg’s out of state gun-control groups and passing HB 786,” said Chris W. Cox, executive director, NRA-ILA. “This important piece of pro-gun legislation clarifies existing law in Mississippi and ensures that each Mississippian has the right to carry their firearm in the manner that best suits them.”

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.
• If the House concurs with the Senate amendments to HB 786 and Gov. Phil Bryant 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.

"The NRA thanks Senate and House leaders Lieutenant Governer Tate Reeves and Speaker Philip Gunn, as well as the sponsor, state Rep. Andy Gipson, and key committee chairman state Sen. Sean Tindell, for their leadership on this important bill. We also appreciate NRA members for their calls and emails in support of HB 786 throughout the legislative process, " concluded Cox.

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.