Senate passes gun rights bill
The Mississippi Senate unanimously passed a pro-gun measure on Wednesday that will prevent the government from confiscating firearms from citizens. Senate Bill 2036, authored by Senator Merle Flowers (R-Olive Branch) amends the state’s emergency powers law to create additional Second Amendment protections for citizens during an emergency crisis. “The government has no business trying to confiscate a law-abiding citizen’s firearm or ammunition at any time, particularly in a natural disaster situation,” said Flowers.
Senator Gray Tollison (D-Oxford), Chairman of the Judiciary B Committee, handled the legislation on the Senate floor. “The bill will prevent government entities from taking firearms away from Mississippians who are eligible to own them,” said Tollison.
After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the New Orleans, Louisiana, Police Superintendent ordered the widespread confiscation of firearms, citing authority to do so under state emergency powers laws. “This bill will ensure that Mississippians can protect themselves and their loved ones without fear of government interference like the New Orleans calamity,” said Flowers.
“The NRA and our 30,000-plus members in Mississippi strongly support SB 2036 to limit government’s ability to confiscate lawfully-owned firearms from honest citizens, especially in a time of crisis when they may need them the most,” said Tara Mica, NRA’s Mississippi state liaison.
MS Senate Press Release
2/4/9
