A proposal to curb protests at infrastructure projects like oil pipelines drew strong condemnation from tribal groups on Wednesday who said the threat of muscled-up criminal penalties would deter Native communities from exercising their right to peacefully protest.
Rep. Steve Gunderson, a Republican from Libby, introduced on Wednesday House Bill 481, which would up the criminal and civil penalties for those who trespass on and damage property associated with infrastructure projects; Gunderson offered the Dakota Access Pipeline as an example for the committee, where protests reached criminal levels.Â
Gunderson said his bill maintains protesters First Amendment rights. They may do so, no problem, and they re allowed to exercise their right of assembly and right to protest, Gunderson told the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday. Once the realm of peaceful has left and thereâs burning, damage and rioting, HB 481 would kick in.
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Montana Lawmakers Consider Bill to Loosen Gun Restrictions
UM School of Journalism
HELENA Representatives on the House Judiciary Committee heard public testimony on a bill Wednesday that would allow Montanans to carry a concealed firearm almost anywhere without a permit.
As James Bradley reports, House Bill 102 would also allow people to carry a concealed firearm with a permit on state government property, including on university campuses. Citizens could also carry concealed firearms within the Capitol building.
However, the bill does allow private property owners to make their own firearms rules, but does not provide a punishment for people violating those rules.