Whitefish student's ballot proposal would allow teachers to carry guns

HELENA (AP) — A 17-year-old high school student from Whitefish is proposing a ballot initiative to allow teachers with concealed weapons permits to carry guns on school grounds.

Chet Billi submitted the first citizen’s initiative proposal for the 2016 general election ballot on Tuesday.

The proposal would allow teachers from elementary school through college to carry concealed handguns if they have permits.

Billi said Thursday he was motivated by a bill rejected by the Montana House this year that would have allowed concealed weapons on college campuses. He says responsible gun owners should be allowed to help prevent mass shootings at schools.

If the proposed initiative passes a legal review, the secretary of state’s office will clear Billi to collect the 24,175 signatures required to place it on next year’s election ballot.