COVID-19: Threat to Second Amendment

Nothing is more important than protecting ourselves and our families -- especially during these times of uncertainty. Yet, some anti-gun lawmakers are exploiting the COVID-19 pandemic to deny you and your loved ones your fundamental right to self-defense and your Second Amendment rights.

These anti-gun and anti-self defense extremists deem gun stores "non-essential," they shut down issuance of firearm permits, and, in some locations, they have created extreme delays for background checks required for firearm transfers. Some jurisdictions have even put added restrictions on firearm transfers, making it all but impossible for many law-abiding Americans to exercise their Second Amendment rights.

All of this is happening against a backdrop of reported prisoner furloughs and law enforcement only arresting for the most serious of crimes.

Just like you, we know that's wrong.

That is why the NRA will keep a constant watch on what is happening nationwide and will work diligently to ensure that you are able to defend yourself and your family during these unprecedented times. In the past four decades, your NRA has led the way to pass Right-to-Carry, Castle Doctrine, and most important for the current crisis, protection against gun confiscation during declared emergencies. This time is no different.

We hope you find this website useful. Please use it to stay updated on what's happening in your town or state and across the country. If you need help or would like to alert us to something happening in your town or state, please contact us here or send us an email at [email protected].

During these difficult times, your NRA is keeping vigilant watch over your right to buy a gun and to make sure you are able to defend yourself and your family. The NRA fights for all law-abiding gun owners, whether they can afford to donate or not. We understand times are tough. But, if you have the means, please help us keep fighting against those politicians who are determined to strip away our right to self-defense and their billionaire backers. Every dollar counts. We thank you in advance.

If you are unable to help us at this time, please drop us a line and let us know how you and your family are doing. We are always grateful to hear from our members and supporters. Again, a big THANK YOU from all of us here at the NRA.

Stay safe.

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Covid-19 Articles

Click here to view your state's laws on emergency powers and firearms

State preemption law: Mont. Code § 7–1–111(9) prohibits a local government unit with self-government powers (one that has adopted a self-government charter) from exercising “any power that applies to or affects the right to keep or bear arms.” A separate preemption law at Mont. Code § 45-8-351 states that no county, city, town, consolidated local government, or other local government unit may “prohibit, register, tax, license, or regulate the purchase, sale or other transfer (including delay in purchase, sale, or other transfer), ownership, possession, transportation, use, or unconcealed carrying of any weapon, including a rifle, shotgun, handgun, or concealed handgun.” Section 45-8-351 has limited exceptions that allow (1) a city or town to “regulate the discharge of rifles, shotguns, and handguns,” and (2) a local government unit to “prevent and suppress” carrying of concealed or unconcealed weapons “to a public assembly, publicly owned building, park under its jurisdiction, or school, and the possession of firearms by convicted felons, adjudicated mental incompetents, illegal aliens, and minors.” Both sections are subject to amendments that would take effect on January 1, 2021 if the amendments are approved by voters: https://sosmt.gov/wp-content/uploads/LR-130.pdf.

Restrictions on firearms and ammunition in a declared state of emergency: Mont. Code § 10-3-104(3) authorizes the governor to proclaim a state of emergency. Under Mont. Code § 10-3-114, a declaration of an emergency or disaster does not allow “a peace officer or other person acting or purporting to act on behalf of the state or a political subdivision of the state” to “take a confiscation action,” defined as “the intentional deprivation by a person in Montana of a privately owned firearm” but excluding confiscations in self-defense, or by a person possessing a firearm while committing a felony or misdemeanor, or confiscation by anyone who prohibited from possessing the firearm due to a prior criminal conviction. Any person who is subjected to a confiscation action may bring an action for damages in a court having jurisdiction, and if successful, is entitled to the costs and expenses in bringing the action, including reasonable attorney fees.

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Montana: Anti-Gun Governor Bullock Issues Executive Order in Response to Covid-19

Legal & Legislation

Friday, March 27, 2020

Montana: Anti-Gun Governor Bullock Issues Executive Order in Response to Covid-19

Governor Steve Bullock’s recent Executive Order 3-2020 designates “…firearm and ammunition suppliers and retailers...” under “Essential Businesses,” exempting them from ...