Montana lawmakers will consider closing domestic violence firearm loophole in 2027
A federal appeals court ruled last year that Montana's laws allow someone convicted of domestic assault to purchase or possess firearms
In the 2027 legislative session, Montana lawmakers will consider a bill aimed at closing a loophole in state law that permits individuals convicted of domestic assault to purchase or possess firearms.
The Criminal Justice Oversight Council at its meeting last week voted 9-to-7 to advance draft legislation strengthening Montana's partner and family member assault law and clearly state that misdemeanor convictions can result in revocation of firearms possession.
"I generally don't support legislation that increases penalties, but I think that this is a real public safety issue," said Rep. SJ Howell, a Democrat. "We hear about it every session. We hear about it every interim. We have Montanans who come in and tell really heartbreaking stories of their loved ones who've been murdered in situations like this, and I think this is an opportunity for us to really dig in and say, 'Is there something we can do to actually prevent some of these violent crimes?'"
More than half ...