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On Tuesday House Bill 786, known as the Mississippi Church Protection Act, was passed in the state Senate 36-14. The bill would allow churches to designate members who had undergone enhanced concealed-carry training or had police or military backgrounds to carry a firearm in defense of their congregation, and shield them from civil and criminal liability if they are forced to use their firearm to stop a violent crime.
The law will also allow all law-abiding individuals to carry holstered firearms without a concealed-carry permit, expanding on last year’s law allowing “permitless” carry in purses and briefcases.
State lawmakers ultimately decided expanding carry by qualified residents while enhancing the ability of houses of worship to defend themselves would help make all Mississippians safer. “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,” said NRA-ILA’s Chris W. Cox.
