MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2006 Regular Session

To: Judiciary B

By: Representative McBride

House Bill 1059

AN ACT TO SPECIFY THE RIGHTS OF EMPLOYERS REGARDING THE TRANSPORTATION OF FIREARMS IN LOCKED VEHICLES ON THE PROPERTY OF THE EMPLOYER; TO LIMIT THE LIABILITY OF EMPLOYERS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

     BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

     SECTION 1.  (1)  Except as otherwise provided in subsection (2) of this section, a public or private employer may not establish, maintain, or enforce any policy or rule that has the effect of prohibiting a person from transporting or storing a firearm in a locked vehicle in any parking lot, parking garage, or other designated parking area.

     (2)  A private employer may prohibit an employee from transporting or storing a firearm in a vehicle in a parking lot, parking garage, or other parking area the employer provides for employees if:

          (a)  The parking lot, garage, or other area is completely surrounded by a gate and is not open to the public; and

          (b)  Ingress to and egress from the parking lot, garage, or other area is monitored by security personnel.

     (3)  A public or private employer is not liable in a civil action for damages resulting from an occurrence involving the transportation, storage or possession of a firearm under this section.

     (4)  This section does not authorize a person to transport or store a firearm on any premises where the possession of a firearm is prohibited by state or federal law.

     SECTION 2.  This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2006.