Bill: Gun Possession After Certain Criminal Charges Possible

Anyone charged with any crime other than a forcible felony or violence with a weapon would be allowed to keep their firearms until adjudication if a bill in the Montana House of Representatives becomes law.

Currently, state courts decide whether or not someone is able to possess a firearm as a condition of the person’s bail. House Bill 433 would make that decision for state courts, allowing anyone charged with lesser crimes to keep their firearms until they are proven guilty or innocent.

Rep. George Nikolakakos, R-Great Falls, is carrying HB 433.

“Currently, the mere accusation of a crime, eve...