Nra-sponsored law guards gun permit holders’ privacy in Miss.
JACKSON — Gov. Phil Bryant signed National Rifle Association-backed legislation Monday that makes information about handgun permit holders private.
Bryant also signed into law legislation that clarifies the definition of carrying a concealed handgun.
“As a matter of public safety, I remain opposed to releasing personal information on law-abiding gun owners,” said Bryant, a one-time deputy sheriff.
“Sensitive gun owner information is entitled to privacy protections just like medical records, tax documents and personnel files.”
With the bill-signing, Bryant makes previously public information about applicants for concealed carry permits private.
The law takes effect immediately.
The information can still be obtained, but it now requires a court order.
Supporters said the legislation was in response to a New York newspaper’s decision to publish the names and addresses of concealed handgun permit holders.
In Mississippi, only two requests had been made for the list of permit holders
ne request was made by a newspaper, and the other request for information came from a blogger.
The second bill Bryant signed clarifies that anyone who has a license to carry a concealed handgun cannot be charged if any part of the weapon is visible.
Case law shows if any part of a weapon is not visible, including when it is seated in a holster, it is considered to be concealed.
The second law also allows military veterans or active-duty military personnel to apply for concealed handgun permits. Everyone else has to wait until age 21 under state law.
Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves, the Senate’s presiding officer, and House Speaker Philip Gunn, R- Clinton, issued statements supporting the legislation.
“This l egi s l at i on strengthens the Second Amendment rights of Mississippians by ensuring gun owners can continue to protect themselves and their families,” Reeves said.
“We will continue to defend our liberty by supporting strong pro-gun laws that provide actual protection for gun owners.”
Said Gunn: “Law-abiding citizens should not feel like they are doing something wrong by having a concealed carry permit. This law exempts their names and addresses from being a matter of public record, which we feel will protect their rights and identities.”
Chris Cox, executive director of NRA’s Institute for Legislative Action, thanked Bryant, Gunn and Reeves for their support of the legislation.
“These two bills protect the privacy of Mississippians and remove legal traps for law-abiding citizens wanting to exercise their right to carry firearms for personal defense,” Cox said.