Mississippi HB298: Firearms and weapons; authorize nonviolent felons to possess and use in defense of residence or motor vehicle.

What the bill says

An act to amend section 97-37-5, mississippi code of 1972, to authorize any person convicted of a nonviolent felony to possess and use firearms and deadly weapons to defend his or her home or motor vehicle; and for related purposes.

From the introduced text:

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 97-37-5, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO AUTHORIZE ANY PERSON CONVICTED OF A NONVIOLENT FELONY TO POSSESS AND USE FIREARMS AND DEADLY WEAPONS TO DEFEND HIS OR HER HOME OR MOTOR VEHICLE; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI: SECTION 1. Section 97-37-5, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows: 97-37-5. (1) (a) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (b) of this section, it shall be unlawful for any person who has been convicted of a felony under the laws of this state, any other state, or of the United States to possess any firearm or any bowie knife, dirk knife, butcher knife, switchblade knife, metallic knuckles, blackjack, or any muffler or silencer for any firearm unless such person has received a pardon for such felony, has received a relief from disability pursuant to Section 925(c) of Title 18 of the United States Code, or has received a certificate of rehabilitation pursuant to subsection (3) of this section. (b) It shall be lawful for any person who has been convicted of a nonviolent felony under the laws of this state, any *HR43/R979* H. B. No. 298 ~ OFFICIAL ~ G1/2 26/HR43/R979 PAGE 1 (GT\KP) other state, or of the United States to possess and use any firearm …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Burnett, Cedric (D, 9) · primary sponsor

Latest actions

1. February 3, 2026: Died In Committee
2. January 8, 2026: Referred To Judiciary B

Common questions

What is HB298?

HB298 is a bill in the Mississippi Legislature (2026 Regular Session): Firearms and weapons; authorize nonviolent felons to possess and use in defense of residence or motor vehicle.

What does HB298 do?

In its own words: An act to amend section 97-37-5, mississippi code of 1972, to authorize any person convicted of a nonviolent felony to possess and use firearms and deadly weapons to defend his or her home or motor vehicle; and for related purposes.

What is the status of HB298?

Failed as of February 3, 2026. Latest action: Died In Committee (February 3, 2026).

Who sponsored HB298?

Burnett, Cedric (D, 9).

Where is the official record for HB298?

On the Mississippi Legislature website: http://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/HB/HB0298.xml