The Second Amendment Preservation Act; create to provide that the Legislature preempts local firearms ordinances.
The proposed law will significantly impact existing Mississippi statutes by restricting the ability of counties, cities, and municipalities to impose any regulations on firearms beyond state law. Effectively, this means that municipalities cannot establish any laws regarding the sale, ownership, or transportation of firearms that go against the provisions laid out by the state. Supporters argue that this will create consistency across the state and protect citizens' Second Amendment rights. However, opponents view this as a move that undermines local control and may prevent localities from addressing specific public safety concerns within their jurisdictions.
House Bill 366, known as the 'Second Amendment Preservation Act,' seeks to create a legal framework that completely preempts local legislation concerning firearms, components, ammunition, and firearm supplies in Mississippi. This bill asserts that the state legislature has exclusive authority over these areas, rendering any existing or future local regulations null and void, except for those that explicitly align with specific state laws related to firearms. The overarching intention of this bill is to reinforce the rights of gun owners and diminish local government interference in firearm-related matters.
Notably, the bill includes provisions that invalidate any federal laws perceived to infringe upon the right to keep and bear arms according to the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution. Critics of the bill express their concerns over potential negative consequences, including the inability of local governments to enact necessary safety regulations or to respond to unique community needs regarding firearm management. The discussions surrounding HB366 highlight the ongoing national debate regarding gun control and the balance between state and local governance in regulating firearms.