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HB 340

Firearms licensed; require proof of mental health evaluation.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Orlando Paden

Proposed Mississippi mental health evaluation requirement for firearm licensing; died in committee without floor vote.

Died In Committee
#constitution #judiciaryb
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Bill Summary · HB 340

Legislative bill overview

HB 340 would require individuals seeking a firearm license in Mississippi to provide proof of a mental health evaluation. The bill was introduced by Representative Orlando Paden but died in the Judiciary B Committee during the 2025 legislative session without advancing to a floor vote.

Why is this important

Mental health screening for firearm purchases is a policy approach some jurisdictions use to identify individuals who may pose risks to themselves or others. This bill represents an attempt to add a public health layer to Mississippi's licensing process, though it ultimately failed to gain sufficient committee support to proceed further.

Potential points of contention

  • Second Amendment concerns: Opponents may argue that mental health requirements create barriers to constitutional rights and could discourage people from seeking mental health treatment due to fear of losing gun ownership privileges
  • Implementation challenges: Questions about which mental health conditions would disqualify someone, who conducts evaluations, costs, wait times, and whether evaluations would be recurring or one-time
  • Privacy and discrimination: Concerns about access to confidential mental health records, potential misuse of data, and whether the requirement disproportionately affects certain populations seeking mental health care

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

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