Victory for Public Safety: Montana Moms Demand Action, Everytown Applaud Defeat of Gun Lobby’s Dangerous Agenda as Legislature Adjourns

HELENA, Mont. – The Montana chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, today applauded Governor Bullock for vetoing House Bill 494, legislation that would have allowed people to carry hidden, loaded handguns in restaurants that serve alcohol. The veto of HB 494 marks the third major victory for public safety in Montana this year.

As the legislature adjourned today until 2019, Governor Bullock’s veto marked the culmination of multiple defeats of dangerous gun lobby legislation introduced throughout the session.

In February, Governor Bullock vetoed House Bill 262, legislation that would have dismantled Montana’s concealed carry permitting system, allowing people with violent criminal histories and those with no firearms safety training to carry hidden, loaded handguns in public.

Also in February, a majority of House members rejected House Bill 385, legislation that would have forced K-12 school districts to let full-time employees – including teachers, guidance counselors, librarians, coaches and janitors – carry hidden, loaded handguns in schools.

In opposition to all three dangerous gun bills, volunteers with the Montana chapter of Moms Demand Action made their voices heard directly, including by testifying during committee hearings.

STATEMENT FROM KIELY LAMMERS, VOLUNTEER WITH THE MONTANA CHAPTER OF MOMS DEMAND ACTION FOR GUN SENSE IN AMERICA:

“Once again, Governor Bullock has demonstrated his commitment to public safety. House Bill 494 was a dangerous bill that would have allowed people to carry hidden, loaded handguns in restaurants that serve alcohol. The Governor’s choice to veto this bill affirms the common-sense idea that guns and alcohol don’t mix. This legislative session, we’ve seen everyday Montanans, law enforcement officials, teachers, students and others speak out in opposition to the gun lobby’s dangerous ‘guns everywhere’ agenda – and win. Our leaders – no matter if they represent us in the statehouse or in Congress – should take note of the progress made in Montana that not only protects public safety, but respects our long history of responsible gun ownership. Together, we’ve shown that common sense outweighs reckless policies that will put our families and communities at risk, and we plan to take that momentum forward in the fight to save lives from gun violence.”