Montana: Permitless Carry on the Governor’s Desk

FYI

http://www.nraila.org/Legislation/Read.aspx?ID=6722
Montana: Permitless Carry on the Governor’s Desk

Wednesday, May 04, 2011
Please Contact Governor Schweitzer Today!

House Bill 271, the permitless carry bill, would amend existing
state law requiring a person to obtain a concealed weapon
permit in order to discreetly carry a firearm for self-protection
within city limits in Montana. HB 271 simply says that the
prohibition on concealed carry does not apply to “a person who
is eligible to possess a handgun under state or federal law.”
HB 271 passed in the House on April 12 by a 69 to 29 vote and
in the Senate on April 28 by a 29 to 21 vote. HB 271 is now
awaiting action by Governor Brian Schweitzer.

Existing Montana law already allows any law-abiding citizen
who can legally possess a handgun to carry it concealed, without
a permit, anywhere outside city limits. So, no carry permit is
currently required for law-abiding citizens in over 99% of the state.
It makes no sense to allow them to carry concealed without a
permit on one side of the line but not the other! Law-abiding
citizens do not suddenly turn into criminals when they cross
the arbitrary boundary into a city. Additionally, law-abiding
citizens are authorized to carry a firearm openly, either loaded
or unloaded, anywhere in the state, including within city limits.

The difference between a firearm carried openly and a firearm
carried concealed can be as insignificant as the donning of a coat.
It really makes no sense to require a law-abiding citizen to pay
a fee, endure a relatively significant bureaucratic process, be
subjected to fingerprinting, obtain the government’s permission
and be added to a government-maintained list of firearm owners
simply so they can wear a coat.

Please contact Governor Schweitzer today and respectfully urge
him to sign House Bill 271 into law! The Governor can be
contacted by calling (406) 444-3111. You can also send him an
e-mail at brianschweitzer@mt.gov or leave a comment for
Governor Schweitzer online by clicking here.

Thanks to everyone who communicated with their legislators
over these last few months. Your efforts truly make the
difference in passing pro-gun bills through the legislative process!



Copyright 2011, National Rifle Association of America, Institute for Legislative Action.
This may be reproduced. It may not be reproduced for commercial purposes.
11250 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax, VA 22030 800-392-8683
Contact Us | Privacy & Security Policy