UPDATE: Legislator uses gun on House Floor to Protest Bill. Greg Sankey, the SEC commissioner, warned of the consequences if the bill is passed. Sankey stated that “Given the intensity surrounding athletic events,” adding weapons raises meaningful safety concerns. He said it would have a negative impact on intercollegiate athletics programs at the universities in many ways. It “…is possible that competitors will decline the opportunity to play in Oxford or Starkville, game officials may decline assignments, personal safety concerns against Mississippi’s universities will be used during the recruitment process, and fan attendance could be negatively impacted. Sankey made similar statements last year when Arkansas was considering similar legislation. The bill passed, exempting college sporting events from legal carry. Rep. Andy Gipson (R-Braxton) authored the bill. He informed members that while the bill doesn’t change or expand where one can carry a weapon, it does allow for enhanced concealed carry permits to sue those who deny them. Institutions of Higher Learning allow “authorized users”, which are law enforcement officers or permit holders, to bring firearms onto campus. However, they cannot be brought on to non-public areas. Glenn Boyce, IHL Commissioner, stated that “the safety of students and faculty on university campuses is a top concern for the Board of Trustees” and university leaders. The bill allows authorized permit holders to “file suit against an agency or entity that denied them declarative and injunctive relief.” Keenum stated that “we have great concerns about a broadening of the existing IHL firearms laws on campus” due to the higher risk it would present for all members of our campus community. Vitter also urged legislators not to pass the bill. Vitter stated that the bill would place campus communities, law enforcement and first responders at risk. Vitter also said that weapons could be allowed in places like classrooms, hospitals and clinics as well as athletic and performance venues. The current law requires that an individual must be at least 21 years old (with the exception for those aged 18 or older in the U.S. Armed Forces), not have any felonies and not “chronically” or “habitually” abuse controlled substances. Wednesday’s bill is an update to a separate bill that was passed in 2011 by the Mississippi Legislature. House Bill 506 permits all public defenders and individuals who have received specific training to carry concealed weapons. In Mississippi, there are two types of concealed carry permit laws. The standard concealed carry law allows users to carry concealed weapons in certain locations, provided they pass a background check. However, there are strict restrictions on where they can legally carry them. According to the bill, an individual must take a safety course taught by a certified instructor of a nationally recognized firearms training organization in order to obtain an enhanced concealed carry permit. A person can bring their weapon to any public space, including universities and colleges, courts (but not in court rooms during a proceeding), polling places and public schools. To support this important work, you can make a regular donation to us today as we celebrate our Spring Member Drive.