Senate Bill 2677

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 45-9-55, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REVISE THE AUTHORITY OF EMPLOYERS TO RESTRICT STORAGE OF A WEAPON IN A LOCKED, PARKED VEHICLE IN EMPLOYER-PROVIDED PARKING; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. Section 45-9-55, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

45-9-55. (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 to which access is restricted or limited through the use of a gate, security station or other means of restricting or limiting general public access onto the property if the employer also provides either:

(a) Temporary secure, locked storage for unloaded firearms; or

(b) Alternate parking close to the main parking for employees who transport or store firearms in their locked personal vehicles.

(3) This section shall not apply to vehicles owned or leased by an employer and used by the employee in the course of his business.

(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.

(5) A public or private employer shall not be liable in a civil action for damages resulting from or arising out of an occurrence involving the transportation, storage, possession or use of a firearm covered by this section.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2016.