Natchez Trace / PARK CARRY Bills Update

Tuesday, March 16, 2010. Conference committee members not selected yet. There will be three from each house. Will stay on top of this and as soon as they are chosen will let everyone know. We need to make a big push on this. Thanks, Bruce.

The chairman of Jud A, Edward Blackmon, Jr., voted against the amendment that allows concealed carry in parks for SB 2862. So, if he is on the committee, we are definitely in trouble.

I understand it will be Blackmon, vice-chairman Angela Cockerham and someone else off of jud-a.

Yep, Blackmon (voted against the park carry amendment in SB 2862), Cockerham (voted for the amendment) and the third is Ellis (Also voted against.) All of the senators voted for HB 298, but the committee amendment that added the CCW language was done on a voice vote, so no history of nay sayers. Hopefully it will be 4-2. I'm afraid it will come out of Conference with the same language as SB 2862 (i.e. only parks). I guess I'd be happy with that, but I really hope they keep in all of the other clarifications as well.

Here are their e-mail addresses, let them have an earful (That means all you lurkers, too!)
eblackmon@house.ms.gov
acockerham@house.ms.gov
tellis@house.ms.gov

The three conferees from the Senate are Alan Nunnelee, Perry Lee and Lydia Graves Chassaniol. Their e-mails are:
anunnelee@senate.ms.gov
plee@senate.ms.gov
lchassaniol@senate.ms.gov

They all voted for HB298 after it was amended. Thank them and tell them to fight for the amendment!

Thanks for the update - emails on the way!!

Email Sent to all Conference Committee reps as well as my local House and Senate reps.

Received this reply from my Senator, Michael Watson, regarding H.B. 298.

"I trust you know that I am in your corner on this one. Thanks for taking the time to email the members of the conference committee. I only wish more people would take the time to do the same, Michael"

Let's not disappoint Senator Watson folks. How about we get everyone we can to email the conference committee members and their district reps regarding H.B. 298.

I have got a little confused with this ... which Bill do we need to support (Bill #) and where is it now????

hb 298 Captain, its in conference committee now. Looks good on senate side3, not so good on house side. Need to contact house conferees.

Got it!! Thanks!!

Email sent to conference members and my representatives...crossing fingers.

cynicaldiogenes wrote:Email sent to conference members and my representatives...crossing fingers.

Same here!!!!!!

Monday morning guys. This is on house calender early. E-mail or call these conferees or this bill is DEAD. Sent mine, fixing to try calling. Blackmon; 601-359-3388. Cockerham; 601-359-9394. Ellis; 601-359-5335.

Additional emails sent ...

2/28/10


RE: Senate Bill 2153


This is sort of a peripheral add-on to this thread.

In late February I wrote Rep Jimmy Puckett (Dist 20, Lowndes-Monroe) regarding SB2153. Pasted below is Jimmy's reply.

I think it important that we know whom our friends are at the Capitol. Based on Jimmy’s reply I think you may put him in the “friends” column.


If you’re pleased with his position, you can take a moment and drop Jimmy a quick note (email: jpuckett@house.ms.gov) or call him at 256-9423.

______________________________________________________
Sat, February 27, 2010 11:11:33 AM
From: Jimmy Puckett

Ed,

Thanks for letting me know about this important bill. I will speak to the leadership about this.

I know Mr. McCoy is a staunch gun supporter. Last summer he attended the national Speakers Association meeting in Idaho. He was so close to Canada that he and his support staff decided to cross into Canada. His Highway Patrol escort was not even allowed to carry his weapon into Canada. The Speaker was furious and spoke of this on and on.

Please pray that we can soon restore what we can to the 2010 budget and pass the 2011 budget. I will be happy when the economy improves and folks can spend more and go back to work.

Hope to see you at AARP in April.

Jimmy

SB 2862 (which removes parks from the off limits areas) just got CONCURRENCE from the Senate!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Off to the Governor for his signature! If signed, it will go into effect July 1.

Anxiously awaiting the word on HB 298. I hope the conference committee was able to keep in more than just parks.

Last year when I e-mailed Jimmy Puckett, he actually called me to talk. I was in a deer blind when he called. I definitely would put him in the friend column.

Just heard on the radio that the Concealed Carry in Parks just passed and is heading to the Govenor's desk!!!!!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Senator Merle Flowers 662-349-3983

Senate passes pro-gun bill
Sen. Flowers touts strengthening Right to Carry law

March 23, 2010

The Mississippi Senate unanimously passed a National Rifle Association (NRA) backed pro-gun bill on Tuesday that will allow concealed weapon permit holders to carry a firearm in Mississippi public parks. Senate Bill 2862, authored by Senator Gray Tollison (D-Oxford), was amended to include stronger right to carry language. The bill will now go to the Governor’s desk for his signature.

“Citizens should be able to exercise their Second Amendment right, and this bill will broaden the locations where they can do so,” said Senator Merle Flowers (R-Olive Branch). “I applaud the work of my colleague Sen. Tollison, and his leadership on this very important issue. While Federal and state public parks will be mandated to allow firearms, counties and municipalities will have the option for their local parks. This bill simply allows folks to protect themselves and their families.”

“The NRA and our 30,000-plus members in Mississippi strongly support SB 2862 to bring state law into line with federal law allowing carry permit holders to protect themselves in parks, and to broaden the right to self-defense,” said Tara Mica, NRA’s Mississippi state liaison.