Montana Permitless Carry Passes Senate 30-20

Montana Permitless Carry Passes Senate 30-20

Missoula, MT –-(Ammoland.com)- MSSA’s permitless carry bill, HB 271, has passed the Senate with a vote of 30-20. More properly said, the Senate has concurred in the conference committee report on HB 271 by a vote of 30-20.

The conference committee version only affects concealed carry INSIDE the city limits of an incorporated city or town. Concealed carry outside city limits (99.4% of Montana) has not required a permit since 1991. Open carry inside city limits has never required a permit in Montana.

The CC version of HB 271 allows a person to carry concealed (“wholly or partially covered by clothing or wearing apparel”) inside city limits if that person is eligible to possess a handgun under state or federal law.

The Senate must still approve adoption of the CC report with a Third Reading vote, either later today or tomorrow (last day of the session). I expect the vote for HB 271 to hold for Third Reading, but there are no guarantees. You can bet opponents will be trying for a Hail Mary effort to turn five Senate votes against HB 271 on Third Reading.

Once the Senate approves HB 271 on Third Reading, it will go to the Governor for his signature. Governor Schweitzer has opined before that he likes the concept, but who knows if that attitude continues.

In the 30-20 vote, all Republicans voted for HB 271, plus Democrats Gillan and Hamlett. If you can send messages to the Senate, you should thank those senators who supported HB 271 and urge them to continue their support on Third Reading.

About Montana Shooting Sports Association:
MSSA is the primary political advocate for Montana gun owners. Visit: www.mtssa.org