McComb officials on Tuesday passed an ordinance to ban guns in city-owned buildings and on city property in anticipation of a new law that eases Mississippi’s open carry gun laws.
Also on Tuesday, Amite County supervisors mentioned the upcoming law change at their meeting but did not take action. The Amie board will meet again July 1, the day the new law takes effect, and the matter could come up then, officials said.
Mississippi residents could soon see an increase in people carrying weapons in public, thanks to the new law.
An attorney general’s opinion recently issued on the law clarifies that when it takes effect people will not need a permit to carry a gun in public as long as it is at least partially visible. Concealed weapons, however, would still require an enhanced carry permit.
The law also says property and business owners can forbid weapons on their property, but they have to post a sign or tell visitors that guns are not allowed.
That also applies to local governments, which can decide if guns are allowed in public buildings and courthouses.
The new McComb ordinance would take effect Monday, the same day as changes to state gun laws, Mayor Whitney Rawlings said.
“Normally, ordinances would take effect in 30 days,” Rawlings said. “This is a different type of ordinance” because it has to do with public safety.
Pike County supervisors are expected to discuss the matter on Friday.
