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MSU students and staff divided on HB 240

Posted: Mar 20, 2013 6:27 PM by MTN News

It's a hot button issue on the senate floor and a major concern for university officials.

House Bill 240 would make it legal to conceal and carry guns on campus with a proper permit.

The question lawmakers are grappling over? Is campus an appropriate place for people to carry guns?

Officials and students at Montana State University, seem to be divided on the issue.

"I think it's a little mis-guided to think that if we have more people on campus carrying guns that would make our campus safer and that's kinda the disconnect for me with house bill 240." Said Chief of Police at MSU Robert Putzke.

Montana State Police chief Robert Putzke says some of the faculty is nervous at the thought that everyone in their classes may be able to conceal and carry.

I think safety on campus tends to be compromised more with the passage of HB 240. I know that carrying firearms has a large responsibility with it and sometime accidents happen." Said Putzke.

Putzke referred to a recent incident where a student had an accidental discharge of his weapon on the campus and said fortunately the gun was pointed up and away from doing harm.

Students on the other hand think this bill will have little impact.

"I don't we would I don't think we would see a huge increase in violence or a huge decrease in violence I think it would be a bill that makes something people are doing a lot of now legal." Said ASMSU Senator Luke Howard.

Howard believes people have the right to carry weapons on campus and feels that those who are licensed to carry and conceal are responsible.

The Bill passed the house in late February and is now in committee pending approval.