A reality based independent journal of observation & analysis, serving the Flathead Valley & Montana since 2006. © James Conner.
One of the more foolish bills supported by Montana’s gunpowder caucus is SB-143, prime sponsor Sen. Cary Smith (R-Billings) which would allow college students to strut around campus with pistols strapped to their hips, rifles slung over their shoulders, and bandoleers strapped to their chests.
SB-143 passed today’s second reading in the MT Senate 25–24, with Sen. Llew Jones (R-Conrad) excused and five Republicans (see table below) opposing it. The third reading is tomorrow. If Jones votes tomorrow, votes No, and nothing else changes, the bill could fail on a 50–50 vote.
SB-143’s whereases do not posit a need for students’ packin’ heat on campus. That isn’t the issue. Instead, the predicate for the whereases is an assumed need to protect the right of students to carry both books and blunderbusses to class. The bill is a solution in search of a problem.
The bill is also an attempt to create a situation in which Gov. Bullock alienates firearms advocates by vetoing legislation that’s framed as an attempt to protect the rights of gun owners. HB-143 should have been tabled in committee. Now it must be shot down on the floor of the senate.
