Senate Bill 2618 was transmitted by the Senate to the Mississippi House of Representatives and it was referred to the House Judiciary B Committee. Certain organizations have contacted me claiming this was a “constitutional carry” bill. Upon review of the bill’s text as it passed the Senate, I found that SB 2618 was not a constitutional carry bill and in fact, would not implement constitutional carry in Mississippi.
Section 1 of the bill as passed the Senate included a general prohibition on concealed carry of pistols, revolvers, and an assortment of knives and other types of weapons, punishable by six months in jail or up to a $500 fine, or both for a first conviction.
Section 2 of the bill as passed the Senate included the requirement under current law (Section 45-9-101) of a concealed carry license for the concealed carry of stun guns, pistols and revolvers. Subsection 13 of this provision prohibits concealed carry, even by licensees, in numerous prohibited locations.
The language found at lines 52 – 58 (supposedly the “constitutional carry” language itself) directly contradicts both Section 1 and Section 2 of the bill. This same language also prohibits concealed carry at the locations listed in Section 45-9-101(13). In other words, this supposed “constitutional carry” language includes prohibitions not found in the constitution. It is my understanding this particular language (lines 52-58) was inserted by amendment on the Senate floor.
As can be seen, contrary to the claims of these organizations the actual text of SB 2618 as it came to the House was not a constitutional carry bill. The House Judiciary B Committee properly amended the bill in a meaningful way by establishing a Second Amendment Task Force to make a comprehensive report on ways to enchance concealed carry rights of Mississippians without incurring unintended consequences. Additionally, the bill was amended to address recent negative opinions issued by the Attorney General’s office.
I am proud of the work of the House Judiciary B Committee as we work toward meaningful concealed carry legislation to support the Second Amendment rights of Mississippians.
Rep. Andy Gipson Press Release
3/4/15
Magnolia Tribune
