MS AG, law enforcement push for new laws addressing gang violence

JACKSON, Miss. (WXXV)- The Mississippi Attorney General and law enforcement groups are pushing for the legislature to pass two bills aimed at addressing gang-related violence.

House Bill 1165 and Senate Bill 2710 are designed to give Mississippi Circuit Courts original jurisdiction for certain firearm related offenses for minors, increase penalties for certain transfers of stolen firearms, and creates a new criminal penalty for shooting a firearm into a group.

The bills also have the backing of law enforcement advocacy groups, including from Long Beach Police Chief Billy Seal, the president of the Mississippi Association of Chiefs of Police.

In a statement, Chief Seal says the bills are all about protecting public gathering places and more accountability for certain crimes.

HB 1165 has been sent to the House Judiciary Committee. SB 2710 just passed through the Senate’s Judiciary Committee.