Mississippi Legislature Adjourns from Session Interrupted by COVID-19

COVID-19's disruption of the legislative session, which ended last week, stalled efforts to pass NRA-backed House Bill 1215 by Rep. Shane Barnett (R-Greene, Perry & Wayne Cos.).  This legislation would have added state agencies to the existing preemption statute which limits the authority of cities and counties to pass arbitrary restrictions on firearm possession and also would have provided citizens a remedy for challenging unlawful gun restrictions imposed by these entities.  This is an especially important protection for enhanced and regular carry permit holders.  Preemption statutes protect gun owners by ensuring there is uniformity of laws across the state and not a "patchwork" of confusing and conflicting regulations.  NRA-ILA will continue to work to pass this key measure in 2021.