Mississippi 2025 Regular Session

Mississippi House Bill HB495

Introduced

1/10/25

Refer

1/10/25

Failed

2/4/25

Caption

Assault weapons; prohibit sale of to any person under age 21 years.

Impact

If enacted, HB 495 would directly amend existing Mississippi Code provisions governing firearms, particularly revising sections that outline the prohibitions surrounding firearms sales and ownership. It aims to align local ordinances related to firearm sales and possession with these new state-level regulations. The legislation may significantly affect the youth demographic, as it curtails access to certain firearms deemed dangerous and aligns Mississippi's laws with broader national trends advocating for gun control measures focused on protecting younger citizens.

Summary

House Bill 495 seeks to address the increasing concerns surrounding the sale of assault weapons to individuals under the age of twenty-one. Specifically, the bill aims to prohibit the sale or gifting of such weapons to anyone below this age limit. The defined term 'assault weapon' is broadly categorized to include selective-fire firearms, alongside a list of specific semiautomatic firearms and features that distinguish them. This expansive definition reflects an attempt to close legal loopholes that might allow for the sale of similar firearms that do not fit within traditional definitions.

Contention

The discussions surrounding HB 495 have highlighted notable contention among various stakeholders. Proponents of the bill argue that restricting access to assault weapons for those under twenty-one is a crucial step toward enhancing public safety and reducing instances of violence involving firearms. Conversely, opponents may view this legislation as an infringement on second amendment rights, with concerns that such regulations may not effectively address the root causes of gun violence in society. The debate underscores a broader national dialogue on the balance between gun rights and community safety.