MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2019 Regular Session

To: Judiciary, Division A

By: Senator(s) Younger

Senate Bill 2868

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 45-9-55, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REVISE THE AUTHORITY OF A PRIVATE EMPLOYER TO PROHIBIT AN EMPLOYEE FROM TRANSPORTING OR STORING A FIREARM IN A VEHICLE IN A PARKING LOT, PARKING GARAGE, OR OTHER PARKING AREA PROVIDED FOR EMPLOYEE PARKING TO WHICH ACCESS IS RESTRICTED BY A GATE, SECURITY STATION OR OTHER MEANS; 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.

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

     ( * * *43)  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.

     ( * * *54)  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, 2019.