House Bill 1399 Summary

• Amends Mississippi law to allow open carrying of handguns in plain sight, defined as a handgun that is holstered and not hidden or concealed from observation.

• Permits any person who may lawfully possess a handgun to publicly carry it on their person or in their vehicle for self-defense, except in specified restricted locations (courthouses, schools, airports, churches, establishments serving alcohol, government buildings, and other federal/state prohibited areas).

• Maintains existing concealed carry permit requirements under Section 45-9-101, including application fees ($100 for new licenses, $50 for renewals), background checks, and eligibility criteria for the Department of Public Safety to issue 5-year licenses.

• Defines "plain sight" to include a holstered handgun as long as the holster itself is visible and not concealed, clarifying what constitutes legal open carry versus illegal concealed carry.

• Takes effect July 1, 2012, allowing open carry of handguns without requiring a concealed carry permit while maintaining the existing permit system for those who choose concealed carry.