House Green Lights Concealed Carry Without Permit
The state House backed a bill Monday that would allow people to carry concealed weapons in urban areas without a permit, giving a victory to lawmakers and gun rights supporters who are pushing a slate of firearms legislation.
House Bill 271 would allow anyone eligible to obtain a concealed weapon permit to carry without actually applying for a permit. It is already legal to carry a concealed weapon in rural areas without a permit.
Gun rights advocate Rep. Krayton Kerns described the proposed concealed carry process as “self-certification.” Kerns argued it’s important to restore gun rights that he said had been legislated away when carrying a concealed weapon was regulated in 1919.
The bill moved forward on a 55-45 vote despite drawing the opposition of several Republican representatives, including David Howard of Park City. Howard, a former FBI agent, said he opposed the bill because it makes it more difficult for law enforcement to determine who can legally carry a concealed weapon.
“This bill puts law enforcement in a very grey area,” agreed Rep. Margaret MacDonald, D-Billings.
Other supporters said concealed carry is an important right for law abiding people and the bill would make cities no less safe. The bill now faces one more usually procedural vote before heading to the Senate.
And now… the rest of the story. …..
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