Montana House Advances Gun-Rights Measures – Calls for Silencers Allowed on Rifles While Hunting

HELENA, Mont. (AP) - The Montana House is advancing gun-rights measures that include a plan to push back against potential federal restrictions on assault rifles.

The Republican-led chamber endorsed the three gun-rights bills on Thursday.

Supporters say the state needs to ban police from enforcing any future federal assault-weapons ban in the state. They argue it would undermine what would be an unconstitutional infringement on gun rights.

Opponents led by Democrats say the measure unconstitutionally attempts to trump federal law and note that it is opposed by police and sheriff organizations.

The House also backed measures that clear the way for nearly anyone to carry concealed weapons without a permit, and would allow the use of rifle sound suppressors when hunting. A list of states allowing suppressors can be found here.

All three measures must pass a final vote before going to the Senate.