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

HB 298 would allow individuals convicted of nonviolent felonies to possess and use firearms or deadly weapons to defend their own home or owned vehicle, provided they can prove residency or ownership of the property. The bill amends Mississippi law to remove firearm restrictions for this specific group, differing from existing rules that ban firearm possession for most felons. It was referred to committee but died there on February 3, 2026, so it never became law. The proposed effective date was July 1, 2026, but the bill did not advance further.