Montana: Contact Governor Bullock to Support Senate Bill 145 (CWP Confidentiality); Other Pro-Gun Bills Pending in Senate; Governor Vetoes Pro-Gun Bills

Please call and e-mail Governor Steve Bullock and urge him to sign this pro-gun bill into law

Senate Bill 145, introduced by state Senator Frederick Moore (R-20), provides important confidentiality and privacy protection for concealed weapon permit holders.  SB 145 passed in the state Senate by a 37 -13 vote on January 31 and passed in the state House by an 88-9 vote on March 13.  It is now with the Governor waiting for his signature.

Please call AND e-mail Governor Steve Bullock (D) today and respectfully urge him to sign Senate Bill 145 into law.

Governor Steve Bullock

Phone: (406) 444-3111

E-mail

Governor VETOES Two Pro-Gun Bills

House Bill 27, introduced by state Representative Ted Washburn (R-69), which would have authorized the use of suppressors while hunting wolves after the general deer and elk season.  Governor Bullock vetoed HB 27 last Thursday, March 28.

House Bill 302, introduced by state Representative Krayton Kerns (R-58), would prevent state enforcement of any federal ban on semi-automatic firearms and/or “large capacity” magazines.  Governor Bullock vetoed HB 302 last Thursday, March 28.  For more information on so-called “assault weapons” and “large capacity” magazines, click here.

Pro-Gun Bills to be Voted on Soon in the state Senate

House Bill 205, sponsored by state Representative Krayton Kerns (R-58), is now awaiting action on the Senate floor after being reported by the Senate Judiciary Committee by a 7-5 vote on March 7.  HB 205 passed in the state House by a 61-37 vote on February 22.  This bill would legalize the use of suppressors for all hunting.  While suppressors do not eliminate the sound of a firearm, they do reduce the muzzle report in a manner similar to the way that a muffler reduces exhaust noise from a vehicle. The benefits associated with suppressor use include increased accuracy due to reduced recoil and muzzle blast, protection from hearing damage and reduced noise pollution.  For more information on firearms and suppressors, click here.

House Bill 240, sponsored by state Representative Cary Smith (R-55) and known as the “Higher Education Rights Restoration Act,” limits the authority of the Board of Regents and University System to regulate firearms.  HB 240, passed in the state House by a 58-41 vote on February 23, was reported by the Senate Education and Cultural Resources Committee on March 27 and is now awaiting action on the Senate floor.

House Bill 446, sponsored by state Representative Nicholas Schwaderer (R-14), provides that discharging firearms is not disorderly conduct.  HB 446 is now awaiting action on the Senate floor after being reported by the Senate Local Government Committee by a 5-4 vote on March 27.  HB 446 passed in the state House by a 61-38 vote on February 21.

The state Senate could vote on House Bill 205, House Bill 240 and House Bill 446 anytime, so please contact your state Senator TODAY and encourage his or her support for these pro-gun bills. Contact information for your state legislators can be found here.