Everytown, Montana Moms Applaud Governor Bullock for Vetoing Bill That Would Have Allowed People to Carry Hidden, Loaded Handguns in Public Without a Permit or Safety Training

HELENA, Mont. – The Montana chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, a part of Everytown for Gun Safety, today applauded Governor Steve Bullock for vetoing House Bill 262, a bill that would have dismantled Montana’s concealed carry permitting system, making it easy for dangerous people and those with no firearms safety training to carry hidden, loaded handguns in public. Volunteers with the Montana chapter of Moms Demand Action testified against HB 262 during committee hearings. Last year, the governor vetoed similar legislation.

STATEMENT FROM PAMELA OWEN, VOLUNTEER, MONTANA CHAPTER OF MOMS DEMAND ACTION FOR GUN SENSE IN AMERICA:

“Once again, Governor Bullock has demonstrated his support for common-sense gun laws. Under current law, people applying for a concealed weapons permit must receive handgun safety training. What’s more, people convicted of certain crimes, including sexual assault or weapons offenses, cannot carry a hidden, loaded gun in public, because they cannot receive a permit. House Bill 262 sought to dismantle these reasonable safety standards – and we are gratified the governor has vetoed this dangerous measure. For two years running, Montana Moms Demand Action volunteers have strongly opposed permitless carry legislation because it would endanger our families and communities – we thank Governor Bullock again for standing up for public safety. We urge all of our elected leaders from the state of Montana to follow Governor Bullock’s example and put the interests of protecting our common sense gun laws ahead of reckless policies proposed by the gun lobby.”

As stated in Governor Bullock’s veto letter, “Law enforcement and others have raised significant concerns with this bill and how it would impact the safety of their communities.”