Montana House Judiciary Committee Taking Public Testimony on Pro-Gun Legislation Starting Tomorrow

Your Attendance Is Needed!

The House Judiciary Committee will start taking public testimony on several pro-gun bills tomorrow, February 2 and Thursday, February 3. The House Judiciary Committee will be meeting from 8 a.m. to noon on both February 2 and February 3 in room 137 of the Capitol.

Bills to be heard tomorrow, February 2 at 8 a.m. in room 137:

      ·         HB 368, sponsored by Representative Wendy Warburton (R-Havre), would allow an employee to keep a lawfully-owned firearm locked in the trunk of the their motor vehicle or if it is out of view inside their locked motor vehicle when the vehicle is parked at their place of work.

·         HB 271, sponsored by Representative Krayton Kerns (R-Laurel), would allow persons eligible to apply for a Concealed Weapons Permit (CWP) to carry concealed without a permit.

Bills to be heard this Thursday, February 3 at 8 a.m. in room 137:

·         HB355, sponsored by Representative Jerry O'Neil (R-Columbia Falls), would award attorney fees and costs for person found not guilty for self-defense.

·         HB 384, sponsored by Representative Krayton Kerns, would exempt peace officers and CWP-holders from "prohibited places."

 Also expected this Thursday – with no bill number as of yet:

      ·         LC 0703, sponsored by Representative Derek Skees (R-Whitefish), would limit police firearms seizure.

·         LC 1948, sponsored by Representative Jerry O'Neil, would revise laws regarding students and firearms in school.

If you can attend, please come early as the Capitol is short on close parking spaces.  If you would like to speak in support of the bills listed above, you must fill out the sign-in sheet at the door.  If you have written testimony, please deliver it to the committee secretary to be distributed to the committee members.  

If you are unable to attend, but would like to make sure your voice is still heard by the House Judiciary Committee, please call (406) 444-4800 asking committee members to please support HB 368, HB 271, HB 355, HB 384, LC 0703 and LC 1948.  When you call, please ask that your message also be delivered to your state Senator and Representative.  If you need help identifying your state Senator and Representative, please click here.

You may also send an e-mail to the House Judiciary Committee and politely urge them to support HB 368, HB 271, HB 355, HB 384, LC 0703 and LC 1948 by clicking here.

Members of the House Judiciary Committee are listed below:

Representative Ken Peterson (R-Billings) - Chair
Representative Krayton Kerns (R-Laurel) – Vice-chair
Representative Diane Sands (D-Missoula) – Vice-chair
Representative Liz Bangerter (R-Helena)
Representative Robyn Driscoll (D-Billings)
Representative Kristin Hansen (R-Havre)
Representative Bill Harris (R-Mosby)
Representative Ellie Boldman Hill (D-Missoula)
Representative David Howard (R-Park City)
Representative Cleve Loney (R-Great Falls)
Representative Margaret MacDonald (D-Billings)
Representative Mike Menahan (D-Helena)
Representative Michael More (R-Gallatin Gateway)
Representative Jesse O'Hara (R-Great Falls)
Representative Carolyn Pease-Lopez (D-Billings)
Representative Joe Read (R-Ronan)
Representative Keith Regier (R-Kalispell)
Representative Dan Skattum (R-Livingston)
Representative Bob Wagner (R-Harrison)
Representative Wendy Warburton (R-Havre)