Mississippi Permitless Carry Bill Heads to Governor's Desk For Signature

Mississippi looks set to join Idaho and West Virginia as the third state to legalize permitless carry legislation in 2016. As the NRA-ILA reports, the Mississippi House voted yesterday 85-35 to concur with Senate amendments to House Bill 786, sending the legislation to the desk of Republican Governor Phil Bryant, who is expected to sign it into law.

Sponsored by State Rep. Andy Gipson (R-Braxton), HB 786 would allow permitless carry in belt and shoulder holsters. Mississippi already allows its citizens to carry a pistol or revolver without a license in purses, handbags, satchels, briefcases and other fully enclosed cases.

In addition, this measure lets church authorities develop security programs that would include concealed carry permit holders and those with military and law enforcement backgrounds. The members of said programs would be allowed to carry in church and receive legal protection under Mississippi’s “Castle Doctrine” law.

Finally, House Bill 786 prohibits state and local enforcement of federal executive or agency regulations not approved by Congress which are in direct violation of the U.S. and Mississippi Constitution.

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