Legislative panel hears gun rights bills

Legislative panel hears gun rights bills

STEPHEN DOCKERY,Associated Press

HELENA — Lawmakers are considering a bill that would require companies to allow their employees to keep guns in their vehicles while at work.

The House Judiciary Committee also held hearings Wednesday on proposals to expand concealed carry rights in cities and allow the use of silencers when hunting.

House Bill 368 would let employees keep guns in their vehicles on the company's property during the workday as long as the vehicle is locked. Gun advocacy groups say it is a safety issue and the workers have a constitutional right to keep guns in their cars.

Petroleum, coal, railroad and other business organizations spoke out against the bill. They cited employers' private property rights and concerns that the measure could threaten workplace safety.

The committee took no immediate action on the bills.

HELENA — Lawmakers are considering a bill that would require companies to allow their employees to keep guns in their vehicles while at work.

The House Judiciary Committee also held hearings Wednesday on proposals to expand concealed carry rights in cities and allow the use of silencers when hunting.

House Bill 368 would let employees keep guns in their vehicles on the company's property during the workday as long as the vehicle is locked. Gun advocacy groups say it is a safety issue and the workers have a constitutional right to keep guns in their cars.

Petroleum, coal, railroad and other business organizations spoke out against the bill. They cited employers' private property rights and concerns that the measure could threaten workplace safety.

The committee took no immediate action on the bills.