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HB 750

Firearms and weapons; authorize nonviolent felons to possess and use in defense of residence or motor vehicle.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Cedric Burnett

Mississippi bill allowing nonviolent felons to possess firearms for home and vehicle defense died in committee after raising public safety and federal compliance concerns.

Died In Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 750

Legislative bill overview

HB 750 would have allowed individuals convicted of nonviolent felonies to legally possess and use firearms for self-defense within their residence or motor vehicle in Mississippi. The bill narrowly defined "nonviolent felonies" to exclude crimes involving weapons, violence, or threats. This represented a significant modification to existing state law that generally prohibits all felons from possessing firearms.

Why is this important

Approximately 5.2 million Americans are barred from firearm possession due to felony convictions, including those convicted of economically motivated crimes. This bill raises questions about second chances, public safety policy, and whether blanket prohibitions appropriately distinguish between different types of offenders. The outcome could affect how Mississippi balances constitutional rights with public safety concerns.

Potential points of contention

  • Public safety concerns: Critics argue that felons have demonstrated criminal judgment failures and expanded firearm access could increase domestic violence, accidents, or crime escalation, despite "nonviolent" categorization
  • Definition ambiguity: "Nonviolent felony" is contested—some crimes (like armed robbery with unloaded gun) may technically be classified as nonviolent but involve weapons, creating enforcement questions
  • Federal law conflicts: Federal law prohibits all felons from possessing firearms; state authorization creates compliance complications and potential legal liability for gun sellers

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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