BILLINGS, Mont. – This year’s election results in Montana prove, yet again, how divisive people’s views are on gun regulation across the state. Legislative Referendum 130, restricting local governments’ authority to regulate carrying firearms, passed by 51%-49%.
LR-130 has quite a lot of history to it, dating back to 2016 when Missoula enacted a city ordinance requiring background checks on all gun sales. The controversial move by the Missoula City Council turned many heads, including Attorney General Tim Fox, who voided the ordinance, arguing local governments do not have the authority to restrict gun sales. One local business owner even called it a logistical nightmare.