Montana: Several Pro-Gun Bills Advance

House Bill 468, sponsored by state Representative Alan Doane (R-38), would encourage the production of firearm ammunition in Montana.  HB 468 was heard in the House Taxation Committee on February 21, but has not yet been voted on.  Please contact this entire Committee at once in support of HB 468, by clicking here and selecting “House Taxation” from the committee drop down list.

House Bill 571, just introduced by state Representative Kirk Wagoner (R-77), would provide that an employer could not prevent an employee from keeping a firearm in a locked vehicle in the company parking lot.  HB 571 has not yet been assigned to a House committee.

Several pro-gun bills have passed in the state House of Representatives and now advance to the Senate:

House Bill 240, sponsored by state Representative Cary Smith (R-55), passed by a 58-41 vote.  HB 240 is known as the “Higher Education Rights Restoration Act.”  Among other constitutional protections, this bill would limit the authority of the Board of Regents and University System to regulate firearms.

House Bill 446, sponsored by state Representative Nicholas Schwaderer (R-14), would provide that discharging a firearm is not disorderly conduct.  HB 446 passed by a 61-38 vote, and has been referred to the Senate Local Government Committee.

The following bills are sponsored by state Representative Krayton Kerns (R-58):

House Bill 459 would prohibit a health care provider from refusing service to a patient who refuses to answer questions about firearm ownership and would prohibit the requirement that a person, as a condition of receiving medical treatment, fill out forms that include questions about firearm ownership. HB 459 passed in the state House of Representatives today by a 61-37 vote.

House Bill 205, a measure that would legalize the use of suppressors for all hunting, passed by a 61-37 vote.  For more information on firearms and suppressors, click here.  HB 205 is scheduled to be heard by the Senate Judiciary Committee on March 6. Please contact this entire Committee at once in support of HB 205, by clicking here and selecting “Senate Judiciary” from the committee drop down list.

House Bill 304, which would eliminate the need for a concealed weapon permit within city limits which is already the law outside city limits, passed by a 58-41 vote.  HB 304 would only apply to individuals who are “eligible to possess a handgun under state or federal law.”  HB 304 has been referred to the Senate Education and Cultural Resources Committee.

Unfortunately, House Bill 358 failed to pass its second reading by a vote of 48-52.  This bill would have allowed concealed weapon permit holders to carry a concealed firearm in banks, government buildings, restaurants and other places that serve alcohol.  Open carrying is currently allowed in these places.

The NRA thanks you for taking the time to contact your state legislators on these important matters. Your involvement in the legislative process is critical to the protection of our freedoms.