Missoula Background Check Ordinance Faces Opposition, Unpopularity

posted on September 29, 2015
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

The Missoula, Mont., City Council’s Health and Safety Committee introduced a draft ordinance last week that would require gun shows and private firearm transactions to include a federal background check. Currently, licensed firearms dealers are required to run a check on gun buyers, but there is no federal or state law that requires the same check for private parties. The ordinance is under consideration by the Missoula City Council, and a hearing will be held Oct. 19. 

Lawyers for the Montana Shooting Sports Association have released a three-page response outlining legal and practical problems with the draft ordinance, arguing that, while the city does have authority to suppress firearm possession for target groups, it has no authority to regulate sales and transfers. An informal poll conducted by NBC Montana also shows roughly two-thirds of respondents opposed to the ordinance.

Latest

William A. Bachenberg
William A. Bachenberg

President’s Column | What a Year It Has Been!

Wow! How fast a year has gone by since being elected president at the end of April last year! My first column was titled “It’s A New Day At The NRA,” and included the following:

Standing Guard | We Are the Good Citizens

I am a big believer in transparency. Each individual needs privacy from unconstitutional government intrusion—this especially includes what guns a law-abiding American citizen might own—but an association of freedom-loving citizens must be transparent.

U.S. v. Hemani Arguments

On March 2, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in U.S. v. Hemani. The case involves a defendant who is fighting a federal indictment for possessing a firearm while being a marijuana user.

President’s Column | Getting You Up to Speed

A lot of things have occurred over the past month or so that not all members are completely aware of. I’ll use my column this month to update you on some important issues—transparency.

Standing Guard | The NRA Gathers to Celebrate Our Freedom

The momentum we’re seeing across the country is both encouraging and energizing. January opened with tremendous activity at the NRA booth during SHOT Show, where members, industry partners and supporters stopped by to connect, share ideas and reaffirm their commitment to freedom and the Second Amendment.

Port Authority Doubles Down on Constitution-Free Zone with High-Profile Arrest

As anyone who has passed a basic civics class knows, the U.S. Constitution is the supreme law of the land. All legislation and official government actions are subject to its limits.

Interests



Get the best of America's 1st Freedom delivered to your inbox.