From Senator Merle Flowers:

Senator Merle Flowers (R-Olive Branch) has introduced two pro-gun bills that have drawn strong support from the National Rifle Association (NRA).  Both bills have been referred to the Senate Judiciary B Committee for consideration.

Senate Bill 2036 amends the state’s emergency powers law to create additional Second Amendment protections for citizens during an emergency crisis.  “The government has no business trying to confiscate a law-abiding citizen’s firearm or ammunition at any time, particularly in a natural disaster situation,” said Flowers.  After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the New Orleans Louisiana, Police Superintendent ordered the widespread confiscation of firearms, citing authority to do so under state emergency powers laws.  “This bill will ensure that Mississippians can protect themselves and their loved ones without fear of government interference like the New Orleans calamity,” said Flowers.

Flowers also authored Senate Bill 2306 which repeals a prohibition in the Right-to Carry law against permit holders possessing handguns in Mississippi parks.  “Citizens should be able to exercise their Second Amendment rights in parks, as long as they are legal concealed weapon permit holders,” said Flowers.  The U.S. Department of Interior announced a rule change last month that allows carrying by permit holders in National Parks and wildlife refuges, a rule which would mirror Flowers’ bill at the state level.

“The NRA and our 30,000-plus members in Mississippi strongly support SB 2036 by Sen. Flowers to limit government’s ability to confiscate lawfully-owned firearms from honest citizens, especially in a time of crisis when they may need them the most.  We also urge passage of SB 2306, which would bring state law into line with federal law allowing carry permit holders to protect themselves in Mississippi parks,” said Tara Mica, NRA’s Mississippi state liaison.

Flowers, a lifetime NRA member, has long been a pro-gun advocate.  He co-authored the Castle Doctrine law in 2006 that allows citizens to use deadly force if they feel their life is in danger.  Flowers represents DeSoto County in the Mississippi Legislature.