House Bill 262 Seeks to Dismantle Montana’s Current Concealed Carry Licensing System; Governor Bullock Vetoed Similar Legislation Last Session
HELENA, Mont. – The Montana chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, today criticized lawmakers in the Senate for passing House Bill 262, legislation that would dismantle Montana’s current concealed carry licensing system and would allow the public carry of hidden, loaded handguns by people with no permit and no safety training, including those convicted of sexual assault and other violent crimes. The bill next goes to the governor for consideration.
A similar bill was vetoed by Governor Steve Bullock during the last legislative session. Montana’s current permitting system ensures that certain core public safety standards are preserved, including requiring applicants to have taken a safety training course, denying a permit to anyone recently convicted of a weapons offense and providing law enforcement the authority to deny a permit to people who pose a danger to the community. The permitting system is supported by 83 percent of Montanans and has received widespread support from Montana’s law enforcement officials.
STATEMENT FROM PAMELA OWEN, A VOLUNTEER WITH THE MONTANA CHAPTER OF MOMS DEMAND ACTION FOR GUN SENSE IN AMERICA:
“Our lawmakers in the Senate once again showed their true colors today: They are beholden to the gun lobby instead of to the public safety of the constituents who voted them into office. House Bill 262 is a reckless policy that would allow people with no permit, no safety training and even those convicted of violent crimes to carry hidden, loaded guns in our communities. This type of policy has no place in Montana and puts the safety of our families and communities on the line.”