Assault weapons; prohibit sale of to any person under age 21 years.
Impact
If enacted, HB99 would bring notable changes to Mississippi's firearm regulations. It would modify existing statutes, particularly Section 97-37-1 and Sections 45-9-53 and 45-9-57 of the Mississippi Code, revising age restrictions on assault weapons and conformity of firearm regulation across local and state laws. By positioning the state to control firearms more uniformly, the bill is anticipated to enhance public safety by restricting access to potentially lethal weapons among younger populations.
Summary
House Bill 99 (HB99) aims to prohibit the sale or transfer of assault weapons to individuals under the age of twenty-one. The bill defines 'assault weapons' broadly, encompassing various selective-fire firearms and a list of over 150 named semi-automatic firearms. This legislation is designed to tighten firearm access for younger individuals and develop more stringent control on weapons considered dangerous due to their potential for rapid-fire feature capability. The bill further seeks to amend existing laws regulating local ordinances on firearms, thereby aligning local legal frameworks with the new state standards.
Contention
The proposed restrictions in HB99 have sparked contention among various stakeholders. Supporters argue that the bill is a necessary measure to protect communities from gun violence, particularly citing the rising incidents involving younger individuals. On the contrary, opponents voice concerns that such regulations infringe upon Second Amendment rights and could lead to overregulation that affects lawful gun owners. This polarization reflects broader national debates over gun control and individual rights, making HB99 a focal point for discussions in Mississippi regarding responsible firearm ownership and public safety.
Relating to assault weapons; to prohibit the sale or delivery of an assault weapon to any person under 18 years of age; to prohibit any person under 18 years of age from possessing an assault weapon; to provide penalties for violations; and in connection therewith would have as its purpose or effect the requirement of a new or increased expenditure of local funds within the meaning of Section 111.05 of the Constitution of Alabama of 2022.