Montana Firearms Local Preemption Statute

Under MCA 45-8-351, the state legislature reserves authority over firearms regulation. Local governments, including counties, cities, towns, and consolidated city-county jurisdictions, are barred from enacting ordinances that regulate firearms beyond narrow exceptions. Local rules may only address discharge in densely populated areas, possession in publicly owned buildings used by local government employees, parks, or public assemblies, with limited exceptions. Any conflicting local ordinance is void.

Local ordinances exceeding statutory authority are unenforceable; affected parties may sue to invalidate them and recover attorney fees in some cases.