HELENA — Ten Republicans have joined House Democrats in narrowly defeating a proposal to permit concealed weapons on college campuses.
The Montana House failed Senate Bill 143 on a vote of 49-51 Tuesday.
Supporters say the U.S. Constitution’s right to keep and bear arms guarantees that Montana’s permit holders should be allowed to carry their concealed guns on public campuses. They also say that shootings at college campuses could be deescalated by a person with a concealed gun who can fight back.
Opponents say only seven states allow concealed carry on campuses because drugs and firearms don’t mix.
Republican Rep. Jeffrey Welborn said he voted against the proposal at the request of the parents of a Montana Tech student who was shot and killed by another student in 1982.
The House could reconsider the measure Wednesday.