Montana Moms Demand Action, Everytown Criticize Senate Passage of Legislation That Would Allow Guns in Restaurants That Serve Alcohol; Urge Governor Bullock to Veto It

HELENA, Mont. – The Montana chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, today criticized lawmakers in the Senate for passing House Bill 494, legislation that would that would allow people to carry hidden, loaded handguns in restaurants that serve alcohol. HB 494 now moves to Governor Bullock’s desk.

Earlier this legislative session, Governor Bullock stood up for public safety by vetoing House Bill 262, which 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. Volunteers with the Montana chapter of Moms Demand Action testified against HB 262 during committee hearings.

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

“The Senate’s vote today not only flies in the face of common sense, but would also put Montanans at risk. The bottom line here is that guns and alcohol don’t mix, and House Bill 494 would allow people to carry hidden, loaded guns in restaurants that serve alcohol. Our elected officials in the legislature have kowtowed to the gun lobby and failed their constituents by passing this dangerous bill. Governor Bullock has proven he cares about public safety of Montanans, and I urge him to continue that progress by vetoing HB 494.”