Concealed Carry Bill Passes House

HELENA — A controversial bill that expands where concealed weapons are allowed passed the Montana House of Representatives Thursday. Legislators voted along party lines, with 66 Republicans voting for the bill, and 31 Democrats voting against it. Three lawmakers did not vote.

House Bill 102 allows Montanans to carry a concealed firearm without a permit anywhere they would normally be allowed to open carry, including inside banks.

During a tense debate in the House Wednesday, the bill’s sponsor, Representative Seth Berglee, R-Joliet, said having a firearm in a bank would not be a problem.