Montana: Immediate Action Needed on Pro-Gun Bill

Today, House Bill 358, sponsored by state Representative Krayton Kerns (R-58), failed to pass its second reading by a vote of 48-52. This bill would allow concealed weapon permit (CWP) holders to carry a concealed firearm in banks, government buildings, restaurants and other places that serve alcohol.   Yet open carrying is currently allowed in all of these places.

HB 358 can be reconsidered again tomorrow, Saturday February 23 only!  Please contact your state Representative IMMEDIATELY and urge him or her to vote “yes” on reconsideration of HB 358.  To find your state Representative and his or her contact information, click here.

If your state Representative is listed below, it is imperative that you call him or her IMMEDIATELY.  Action must be taken tonight or first thing tomorrow morning.  The state legislators listed below voted against HB 358 today, but hearing from you could make a difference!  You can leave a message for your state Representative by calling (406) 444-4800.  Also send an e-mail to them using the online message form.

When contacting your state Representative in support of HB 358, ask them to consider the following:

-          Under existing law, a businessman going into a bank to make a deposit has the right to provide a discreet means of self-protection when he is outside on the sidewalk, but that right goes away the moment he steps across the line and enters the bank - this is absurd.  HB 358 would allow CWP holders to provide a discreet means of self-protection within these locations.

-          It’s true that guns and alcohol do not mix.  However, law-abiding citizens shouldn’t be stripped of their right to self-protection just because they go out to dinner.  Sixteen states allow unrestricted carry of firearms in bars and restaurants that serve alcohol and an additional seventeen states allow carry in restaurants and/or bars with some restrictions.  If the 33 states that allow concealed carry in alcohol-serving establishments were experiencing issues with CWP holders, you would have heard about it.  CWP holders are among the most responsible citizens!  Also, Montana law already makes illegal the possession of a firearm while intoxicated.

-          And, again, open carry is already allowed in all of these locations!

-          Finally, please ask your state Representative to notify Representative Kerns that he or she will either offer and/or support a motion to reconsider HB 358.

If your state Representative is listed below, it is imperative that you call them IMMEDIATELY in support of HB 358:

Representative Duane Ankney (R-43)

Representative Liz Bangerter (R-80)

Representative Tom Berry (R-45)

Representative Christy Clark (R-17)

Representative Rob Cook (R-27)

Representative Steve Fitzpatrick (R-20)

Representative Steve Gibson (R-78)

Representative Roy Hollandsworth (R-28)

Representative Brian Hoven (R-24)

Representative Tom Jacobson (D-25)

Representative Steve Lavin (R-8)

Representative Bill McChesney (D-40)

Representative Robert Mehlhoff (D-26)

Representative Reilly Neill (D-62)

Representative Gordon Pierson (D-85)

Representative Ray Shaw (R-71)

Representative Jeffrey Welborn (R-72)