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Bill to create Montana shooting‑facilities task force advances after contentious hearing
Summary
HB 899 would establish a task force to develop a framework for state‑supported shooting facilities and improvements; testimony split between industry groups pushing for larger, state‑backed investments and local operators warning against a centralized complex that would compete with local ranges.
House Bill 899 sought to create a state task force to analyze opportunities for public shooting‑sport facilities and recommend funding mechanisms and governance. Representative Keri Seekins Crow (R‑House District 39) described the bill as a vehicle to plan future public shooting investments, expand access to range infrastructure and unlock federal Pittman‑Robertson (PR) funds and private donations to support projects statewide.
Why it matters: Supporters said improved range infrastructure supports hunting, public safety and local economies and argued that larger or better-distributed facilities could attract competitions and tourism dollars. Opponents — including the Montana Shooting Sports Association, local range operators and nonprofit range managers — warned a centralized state complex could siphon…
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