MS HB138

Requires persons purchasing automatic weapons to obtain a purchasing permit from the Department of Public Safety, with a minimum 30-day waiting period during which background checks are conducted.

Mandates that automatic weapon purchasers obtain a mental evaluation from a licensed psychologist or physician and provide proof to the seller that they do not suffer from any mental disorder.

Establishes felony penalties of up to 3 years imprisonment and/or fines up to $50,000 for providing false mental evaluation or purchasing permit documentation.

Requires sellers of automatic weapons to submit purchaser names and addresses to local law enforcement, with felony penalties of up to 3 years imprisonment and/or $50,000 fines for failure to comply.

Takes effect July 1, 2020.