Bill > SB2815

This bill establishes new rules for storing firearms in Mississippi, aiming to prevent minors from accessing them. It defines "immediate control" as having a firearm on your person or close enough to prevent a minor's access, and "securely stored firearm" as being stored in a way a reasonable person would believe prevents unauthorized access by a minor, such as in a locked container or gun safe. The bill mandates that anyone owning, possessing, or controlling a firearm must exercise reasonable care to prevent a minor's access when the firearm is not under their immediate control, setting a minimum standard of care but not creating a basis for civil lawsuits. It also creates the crime of negligent storage of a firearm, which occurs if a person knowingly or recklessly leaves a firearm unsecured, a minor gains access without permission, and then discharges the firearm, uses it to threaten or injure someone, or brings it to a place where firearms are illegal; a conviction for this misdemeanor offense carries a penalty of up to a $1,000 fine or six months in jail, or both. However, there are exceptions to liability, including if the firearm was stolen through unlawful entry, if the minor was using the firearm for lawful hunting or sporting activities with parental permission and supervision, or if the minor was under the owner's immediate control at the time of access. The bill clarifies that it does not authorize home inspections, impose strict liability without negligence, or infringe upon Second Amendment rights.

Justice

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/SB/SB2815.xml