Montana House endorses bills to restrict local gun control

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — The Montana House has endorsed two bills seeking to prohibit local governments from passing strict gun ordinances.

Republican Rep. Matt Regier says his bills are a response to Missoula city ordinances that require background checks for private gun sales and ban weapons in certain public buildings, parks, places of public assembly and polling sites.

Both bills are up for a final vote in the House on Thursday.

Regier argued Wednesday that local governments cannot regulate the concealed carrying of weapons and said his bills would prevent a patchwork of gun restrictions that could cause confusion.

"This bill will clarify our rights as Montana citizens and clarify the power of local authorities," Regier said.