Helena, MT – The Montana chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, today responded after testifying in the House Judiciary Committee hearing against House Bill 262, legislation that would dismantle Montana’s current concealed carry licensing system and would allow the public carry of hidden, loaded handguns with no permit and no safety training, including by people convicted of sexual assault and other violent crimes.
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 KIELY LAMMERS, A VOLUNTEER WITH THE MONTANA CHAPTER OF MOMS DEMAND ACTION FOR GUN SENSE IN AMERICA:
“Along with Montana’s proud history of responsible gun ownership, we’ve maintained a strong permitting system on who can carry hidden, loaded handguns in our communities. House Bill 262 would completely dismantle our current system and it simply defies common sense to do away with a system which receives widespread support throughout the state. Our elected leaders should ask themselves – do they want to allow people with no permit, no safety training and even people convicted of violent crimes to carry on our streets? Or do they want to stand on the side of public safety and help protect Montanans? Our elected leaders should reject House Bill 262 immediately because the safety of our families and communities is on the line.”
