UPDATE Judge Extends Restraining Order On Open Carry

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) – A Hinds County circuit judge heard arguments Monday about whether to extend his temporary block on a Mississippi open-carry gun law.

Earlier this year, legislators passed and Republican Gov. Phil Bryant signed House Bill 2, which says adults don’t need a state-issued permit to carry a gun that’s not concealed.

Judge Winston Kidd issued an order June 28 to temporarily block the bill from becoming law on its scheduled date, July 1. The block applies statewide.

On Monday, Kidd extended his order until Friday. He said he will rule on or before that day.

A state-issued permit is still required to carry a concealed weapon. Lawmakers specified this year, in a separate bill, that information about permit holders is no longer public record.