Montana: Multiple Pro-Gun Bills Waiting for Vote in House of Representatives

Yesterday, the House Judiciary Committee passed Senate Bill 295 by a 12 to 9 vote.  Sponsored by state Senator Mark Blasdel (R-4), SB 295 would remove the prohibition on the use of legal suppressors while hunting.  Currently, hunters and sportsmen in 35 states across the country are able to use these sound suppressing devices for the taking of wildlife.

As previously reported, there are numerous benefits to hunting with suppressed firearms. These benefits include the decrease of noise complaints frequently used as an excuse to close hunting lands throughout the country, reduction of recoil and muzzle rise resulting in increased accuracy of hunters, more accurate shooting in the field and the reduction in muzzle report to hearing-safe levels, limiting the risk that the hunter or anyone with the hunter will suffer permanent hearing loss if they fail to use hearing protection.

Last Friday, March 20, the House Judiciary Committee passed House Bill 598 by a 12 to 9 vote. Sponsored by Representative Matthew Monforton (R-69), this crucial piece of legislation would create the “Gun Owners Access to Justice Act” that would prevent restrictions from being placed on your Right to Bear Arms, unless there is a compelling state interest to do so.  HB 598 would also provide for attorney fees and costs in successful cases against the State to individuals whose right to bear arms has been unnecessarily burdened.

On March 11, Senate Bill 143, sponsored by Senator Cary Smith (R-27), passed House Judiciary by an 11 to 10 vote.  SB 143 would prohibit restrictions on firearms that prevent law-abiding adults from protecting themselves on college and university campuses.  As previously reported, the Board of Regents would retain regulatory authority on things such as discharge, unholstered carry, dormitory storage and possession at campus events where alcohol is served and consumed.

Please contact your state Representative and respectfully urge them to support Senate Bill 295, House Bill 598 and Senate Bill 143 when they come up for a vote.  Contact information for your Representative can be found here.  You can also contact your Representative at (406) 444-4800 or online using this message form.  If you are unsure who represents you, click here.