The "Firearms Freedom Act"
(Now updating content at http://www.firearmsfreedomact.com/)
An idea for States whose time has come
The Firearms Freedom Act was initiated in Montana by the Montana Shooting Sports Association as HB 246
in the 2009 Montana legislative session. HB 246 has passed the
Legislature, has been signed into law by Montana Governor Brian
Schweitzer, and will become effective on October 1, 2009.
HB 246 declares that any firearms, ammunition or firearms accessories
made and retained in Montana are not subject to any federal authority
under Congress's commerce clause power. For questions about the
specific terms of HB 246, read the bill.
HB 246 is intended to set up a legal challenge in federal court to
redefine the powers given to Congress under the "commerce clause" of
the U.S. Constitution, where Congress is given the authority to
"regulate commerce ... among the several states."
Clones of Montana's HB 246 have now (07/27/2009) been introduced as:
Alaska - HB 186
Passed House 32-7; Legislature adjourned
Texas - HB 1863
Progress 6/5/09
Tennessee - HB 1796 and SB 1610
7/9/09 - the Tennessee State Senate approved Senate Bill 1610 (SB1610),
the Tennessee Firearms Freedom Act, by a vote of 22-7. The House
companion bill, HB1796 previously passed the House by a vote of 87-1. It has become law without the governor's signature.
South Carolina - S. 794
Minnesota - H.F. 2376
Florida - HB 21
There is a new Wikipedia page about the Montana Firearms Freedom Act.
There is serious talk of introducing HB 246 clones when the
legislatures next convene in: West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, Indiana,
Georgia, Alabama, Missouri,
Ohio, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Kansas, Arizona, Colorado, Wyoming, Utah,
Idaho and Washington.
The Montana Shooting Sports Association is now reviewing litigation strategies to effectuate the principles embodied in HB 246.
Groups that supported the Montana Firearms Freedom Act before the Montana Legislature include:
Montana Shooting Sports Association
National Rifle Association of America
Gun Owners of America
Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms
Weapons Collectors Society of Montana
Montana Rifle and Pistol Association
Montana Women's Shooting Association
Western Montana Fish and Game Association
Big Sky Practical Shooting Club
Custer Rod and Gun Club
Big Muddy Practical Shooting Association
Richland County Sportsmens Club
Bigfork Gun Club
Samuel Whitamore Memorial Range in Three Forks
Gallatin County Campaign for Liberty
MSU Young Americans for Liberty
More information will be added to this page as time and information are available.