MS HB571

Amends Mississippi law to define "courthouse" as any building housing a circuit court, chancery court, youth court, municipal court, or justice court, excluding grassed areas, sidewalks, parking lots, and other outdoor areas on courthouse grounds.

Defines "courtroom" as the actual room where judicial proceedings occur, including jury rooms, witness rooms, and judge's chambers, but excluding hallways, entrances, lobbies, corridors, and other public areas within a courthouse.

Authorizes enhanced concealed carry rights for permit holders who complete approved firearms training, military personnel with combat training, or honorably retired law enforcement or military members to carry in courthouse buildings (but not courtrooms during active proceedings) and other specified locations.

Clarifies that concealed pistol license holders with proper training endorsements can carry in courthouses except during active judicial proceedings in courtrooms and other restricted locations like detention facilities and police stations.

Effective date: July 1, 2016.