Tomorrow, the House Business and Labor Committee is scheduled to hear Senate Bill 289. Sponsored by state Senator Duane Ankney (R-20), your NRA-ILA has learned that SB 289 seeks to suppress political speech by organizations such as the NRA which informs Second Amendment supporters on election-related issues and updates. This bill would impose restrictions on organizations participating in certain aspects of candidate activism and election advocacy. This legislation creates a high level of uncertainty for organizations that participate and communicate information relating to candidates and elections to individuals in Montana. Further analysis of the bill is being done to discover additional negative impacts the legislation may contain. Please contact members of the House Business and Labor Committee and urge them to OPPOSE Senate Bill 289. Contact information is provided at the bottom of this alert.
Last week, the Montana Senate passed House Bill 298 on third reading by a 28 to 21 vote. Sponsored by state Representative Bill Harris (R-29), HB 298 expands Montanan’s freedom to legally carry a concealed firearm without a Montana concealed weapons permit (CWP) by harmonizing the carry laws present in city limits with those outside city limits. Currently outside the city limits, residents are not required to obtain a concealed weapons permit in order to carry a concealed firearm. This permitless carry legislation would bring uniformity across the state and give Montanans the freedom to choose the best method of carrying for them, based on their attire, gender and/or physical attributes.
Also last week, the Montana Senate passed House Bill 203 on third reading by a 27 to 22 vote. Sponsored by state Representative Art Wittich (R-68), HB 203 would prohibit the use of any public funds, personnel, or property to enforce any federal law or regulation that seeks to ban the ownership or possession of firearms or magazines.
House Bill 298 and House Bill 203 are being prepared to be sent to Governor Steve Bullock’s desk for his consideration. Please contact Governor Bullock at (406) 444-3111 or by email and politely urge him to sign into law House Bill 298 and House Bill 203.
House Business and Labor Committee:
Representative Tom Berry (R-40), Chairman
Phone: (406) 698-3940
Email: [email protected]
Representative Daniel Salomon (R-93), Vice-Chairman
Phone: (406) 675-0150
Email: [email protected]
Representative Ryan Lynch (D-76), Vice-Chairman
Phone: (406) 498-6625
Email: [email protected]
Representative Christy Clark (R-17)
Phone: (406) 466-2483
Email: [email protected]
Representative Willis Curdy (D-98)
Phone: (406) 546-0523
Email: [email protected]
Representative Steve Fitzpatrick (R-20)
Phone: (406) 750-6764
Email: [email protected]
Representative Chuck Hunter (D-83)
Phone: (406) 202-2030
Email: [email protected]
Representative George Kipp (D-15)
Phone: (406) 229-1045
Email: [email protected]
Representative Mike Lang (R-33)
Phone: (406) 654-7357
Email: [email protected]
Representative David Moore (R-92)
Phone: (406) 239-3499
Email: [email protected]
Representative Mark Noland (R-10)
Phone: (406) 837-4810
Email: [email protected]
Representative Andrea Olsen (D-100)
Email: [email protected]
Representative Gordon Pierson (D-78)
Phone: (406) 846-3335
Email: [email protected]
Representative Christopher Pope (D-65)
Phone: (406) 581-8739
Email: [email protected]
Representative Vince Ricci (R-55)
Phone: (406) 855-9153
Email: [email protected]
Representative Tom Richmond (R-56)
Phone: (406) 208-5588
Email: [email protected]
Representative Scott Staffanson (R-35)
Phone: (406) 480-0467
Email: [email protected]
Representative Tom Steenberg (D-99)
Phone: (406) 721-5869
Email: [email protected]
Representative Jeffrey Welborn (R-72)
Phone: (406) 949-6070
Email: [email protected]