Big changes to Mississippi concealed weapons laws announced

  • Published
  • By Nina Fisk
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Judge Advocate office
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant has signed two bills, which are big pro-Second Amendment reforms to the state's concealed weapons laws, into law April 7.

Included in the bills are several new exemptions for military members and honorably discharged veterans that will go into effect July 2015.

Senate Bill 2394 reduces the fees for a concealed carry license from $100 to $80 and reduces the renewal fee from $50 to $40. Active-duty military personnel are exempt from paying both the license fee and the renewal fee. Additionally, SB 2394 clarifies no license is required to carry loaded or unloaded pistols or revolvers in a purse, handbag, satchel, other similar bag or briefcase or fully enclosed case.

SB 2619 eliminates a training requirement for an enhanced carry permit endorsement for active-duty military members, honorably discharged veterans or retired law enforcement if they have already completed law enforcement or combat training with handguns as part of their service. This endorsement allows license holders to bring their guns everywhere except for police stations, jails, courtrooms and federal property regardless of gun-free zone signs. Further, SB 2619 exempts members and veterans of the National Guard and Reserve units from Mississippi's residency requirement for a regular concealed carry license, and lowers the minimum age requirement for National Guard and Reserve members and veterans from 21 to 18.

It is important to remember these bills do not change the rules for carrying weapons on base.

"There are only a few places Airmen may take weapons on the installation, including on-base housing, the armory, and designated hunting areas," said Maj. Brenton Pickrell, 14th Security Forces Squadron commander. "Privately-owned firearms and ammunition cannot be possessed in dormitory living quarters or transient facilities."
While traveling with a weapon on base, the weapon and the ammunition must be separated. Be sure to follow the proper procedures and notify the 14th SFS you have a weapon.

Please also be aware that while Mississippi currently has provisions for allowing you to carry a weapon concealed with the above mentioned permits, or carrying in the open or in your vehicle without a permit, you do assume some liability by exercising any of these privileges.  First, simply drawing your weapon can be considered a use of force, and actually using it is another story entirely.  If you were to be involved in a use of force incident, you could be exposed to both civil and criminal legal proceedings even if you were justified in your use of force. 

Second, you should be mindful of the fact in such a scenario, responding police officers may perceive you to be a threat, in which case you wind up being placed in jeopardy by both sides. If you choose to exercise these privileges, it is highly recommend you educate yourself appropriately not only on the tactical matters associated with carry and use of a firearm, but also with the legal responsibilities and intricacies associated with the carry and use of a firearm. 

There are many companies selling "CCW insurance" or "Use of Force Insurance" policies. These insurance policies range widely in price, anywhere from about $75 a year to well over $600 a year, depending on the company and depth of coverage.  If you plan on carrying a firearm, you may want to protect yourself in such a way, because legal fees alone can cost thousands, or even hundreds of thousands in a use of force case. 

The most important piece of the puzzle is education which will manifest in the form of responsibility while exercising these privileges.  Carrying a firearm can save your life or cost it; truly this is a decision that polarizes any hostile situation you find yourself in, and you need to ensure that you are prepared if you place yourself in this situation.