AN ACT TO ENACT THE RESPONSIBLE FIREARM PURCHASING ACT TO PROHIBIT THE PURCHASE OF A FIREARM BY A MINOR; TO DEFINE TERMS; TO PROVIDE THAT IT IS UNLAWFUL FOR A MINOR TO PURCHASE A FIREARM, HANDGUN, AMMUNITION OR ARMOR PIERCING AMMUNITION; TO PROVIDE THAT IT IS UNLAWFUL TO SELL A MINOR A FIREARM, HANDGUN, AMMUNITION OR ARMOR PIERCING AMMUNITION; TO PROVIDE THAT THE SALE OF A FIREARM, HANDGUN, AMMUNITION OR ARMOR PIERCING AMMUNITION SHALL COMPLY WITH ALL STANDARDS AS PROVIDED BY FEDERAL AND STATE LAW; TO PROVIDE CRIMINAL PENALTIES FOR A VIOLATION OF THIS ACT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
SB 2790 would create the “Responsible Firearm Purchasing Act” and make it unlawful for a minor in Mississippi to purchase a firearm, handgun, ammunition, or armor piercing ammunition. It also makes it unlawful for any person to sell those items to a minor. The bill defines key terms such as firearm, handgun, ammunition, antique firearm, firearm silencer, and armor piercing ammunition, and it excludes antique firearms from the definition of firearm.
The bill establishes criminal penalties for violations. A minor who violates the act would commit a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $200, up to 30 days in jail, or both. A person age 21 or older who violates the act by purchasing from or selling to a minor would commit a felony punishable by up to a $2,000 fine, up to two years in prison, or both. The act would take effect July 1, 2026.
If enacted, SB 2790 would add new Mississippi criminal law restrictions on firearm and ammunition transactions involving minors and would create a separate offense for adults who sell to minors. It would also require such purchases to comply with applicable federal and state standards, reinforcing existing firearms regulatory frameworks while adding state-level penalties and definitions that could be used in enforcement and prosecution.
Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee debate or votes in the provided materials, the overall sentiment cannot be measured from legislative discussion. The bill’s framing as the “Responsible Firearm Purchasing Act” suggests a public-safety rationale, and its structure indicates an intent to tighten controls on youth access to guns and ammunition.
The main likely point of contention is the bill’s restriction on minors’ access to firearms and ammunition and the criminal penalties imposed on adults who sell to them. Supporters would likely view the measure as a youth-safety and gun-violence-prevention bill, while opponents may argue it adds criminal liability, overlaps with existing federal and state firearms rules, or raises concerns about enforcement and lawful access for hunting, sport shooting, or family transfers. No committee transcript or vote record was provided to identify specific lawmakers or groups taking positions.