Montana poised to buck federal gun control

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By The Associated Press

Story Published: Apr 5, 2009 at 3:24 PM MST

Story Updated: Apr 5, 2009 at 3:24 PM MST

HELENA - Montana-made guns could spark a court showdown over states' rights if the governor signs a bill to release some firearms from federal regulation.

House Bill 246, sponsored by Republican Rep. Joel Boniek of Livingston, seeks to exempt guns made and kept in Montana from federal background checks and dealership licensing. It also applies to ammunition and weapons components.

The measure passed the Legislature easily, and now awaits action by Democratic Gov. Brian Schweitzer. The governor has not taken a position on the bill, which its supporters hope will trigger a legal battle to affirm states' rights. They say it is less about firearms, than testing the Constitutional basis for federal control over the states.

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KMS said on Thursday, May 7 at 12:29 PM

I've lived in NY and WA, and bought a house in MT. NY and WA are all about burdening their citizens with taxes and relieving them of their freedoms. Don't forget hunting and fishing are RIGHTS in MT, not a privelage like in most other states.

Tom Dort said on Saturday, Apr 11 at 11:23 AM

I lived a wounderful year in Kalispell, MT and their 2 party system unlike CA and it's 1 party where I am now.

THeEYE said on Friday, Apr 10 at 9:54 PM

VIVA LA MONTANA! a free state for sure Take notice liberal America

William Batley said on Wednesday, Apr 8 at 6:44 PM

All States should adopt this attitude, and not just about guns. The federal government is supposed to be our servant, not our master.

Chaos said on Wednesday, Apr 8 at 11:49 AM

LMA do you really think we might get some new industry and keep our freedom. This is the BEST news in quit a while.

KMS said on Wednesday, Apr 8 at 8:19 AM

Schweitzer always talks big at election time about standing up for Montanan rights and the 2nd Amendment. It's past time to put his pen where his mouth is and sign this bill. If it easily passed the legislator, obviously this bill has the support of our citizens.

LINDA said on Wednesday, Apr 8 at 5:57 AM

THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT BILL THAT WAS THROUGH THE CAPITOL,FOR THE PEOPLE OF MONTANA.SURE COME AND VISIT,LEAVE YOUR MONEY,AND GO HOME.90% OF YOU CAN'T AFFORD OUR GUNS IN THE FIRST PLACE,2nd,WE DON'T WANT OR NEED ANYMORE 'OUT OF STATER'S" MOVING IN AND TELLING US HOW WRONG WE DO THINGS,AND HOW "BACK WOODS" WE ARE. WE'VE BEEN DOING OK FOR THE LAST 100 YEARS.COME,SEE THE PARKS,TAKE IN THE HISTORY,THE"LAST STAND",THE MISSIONS.HAVE FUN AND COME BACK AND SEE US ANOTHER TIME.

MajB said on Tuesday, Apr 7 at 6:57 AM

I agree with all of you so far except Ima-why Ima thinks a good business coming your way is a problem, I do['t know! However, remember that the civil war was really about states rights, too, NOT slavery--that was actually just a side issue which started the argument over states rights. I'm for states rights--also would like to see CA split into 3 parts--& No. Ca succeed from the union, or at least from the rule of SF and LA.

Gary said on Monday, Apr 6 at 11:11 PM

I vacationed in MT last summer; sounds like it deserves my vacation dollars even more this year!

Bill Locy said on Monday, Apr 6 at 10:32 PM

But Ima, that's a good thing!

Ima Concerned said on Monday, Apr 6 at 9:37 PM

This should have been put before the voters. Special interest gets their way again, what a surprise. Next we'll see the big gun companies coming here. This was a terrible mistake.

Dale from Michigan said on Monday, Apr 6 at 7:00 PM

Sound like me favorite state has just become Montana.

John said on Monday, Apr 6 at 5:55 PM

sounds good to me! Wish Kalifornia would do the same. Crime would drop.

Dave A. said on Monday, Apr 6 at 3:52 PM

I've told my state representatives that life in New York State (not to be confused with the City, geographically speaking) becomes more unbearable with each increased tax and decreased freedom. I have told them I will not spend the remainder of my life, nor the dollars of my retirement in that state without great change, which does not come. I have been looking for a place to live out my years. Montana has moved to the top of my list of states to be considered. I wish you well in this.

John in TN said on Monday, Apr 6 at 3:12 PM

Praise God for some real representation in Montana.Now lets see if the Sheriffs in Montana will tell the BATFE to stay away!

Jim said on Monday, Apr 6 at 8:56 AM

Seems that the A.H that want remove all guns from REAL PEOPLE ride work in armored cars with bodyguards on way to work and from work dont care if we as free people have any protection

Pro 2nd Amendment said on Monday, Apr 6 at 8:41 AM

Thank you Montana, I just change my vacation schedule. your state!!!!

Fred said on Monday, Apr 6 at 8:38 AM

The frightening fact is that we are being fianancialy controlled by China more and more everyday. WE let money controls most politics and that controls freedoms.

Dale Parker said on Monday, Apr 6 at 7:33 AM

A state willing to stand up for it's rights is like a breath of fresh air. The Federal Government is becomming more tyrannical by the hour.

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