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Bills to Loosen Gun Restrictions Clear Montana House

A similar measure was vetoed by Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock in 2015

By Dillon Tabish

HELENA — Two bills that would expand gun rights have cleared the Montana House and will now be taken up by the Senate.

A measure from Kalispell Republican Rep. Randy Brodehl that would eliminate enforcement of a federal law barring guns from U.S. Post Office property passed Tuesday on a 60-39 vote.

Also approved on a 60-39 vote was a concealed weapons measure from Helena Republican Rep. Bill Harris. That bill would allow people to carry a concealed weapon without a permit as long as they are eligible to possess a handgun under state or federal law.

A similar measure was vetoed by Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock in 2015.

Law enforcement organizations, teachers’ union representatives and gun safety advocates have opposed the bills.