A 17-Year-Old Just Officially Proposed A Law That Could Save Lives- But Many Will Hate It - Culture

A long-standing debate over gun control is gaining new momentum through recent bills that have found their way to the floors of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. For the moment, the issues of gun possession and the ability to carry guns on schools and campuses have made their way back into the limelight.

Chet Billi, a 17-year-old resident of Montana, has filed a proposed initiative for the 2016 ballot with Montana’s secretary of state.

The bill would grant teachers at all levels, including college, the right to carry a concealed weapon. One of the reasons for Billi’s decision to press for this legislation was his hope that if teachers and other school officials gain the right to have a concealed firearm, it might be enough to deter would-be school shooters. The second reason Billi feels passionate about this legislation is that he has an “immense respect for firearms as well as a deep love for them.”

Right now, his proposed bill is under scrutiny at the Legislative Services Division. The division has up to 14 days to recommend changes or revisions. Ultimately, the language of the ballot must receive its stamp of approval by Secretary of State Linda McCulloch, D-Mont, and Attorney General Tim Fox, R-Mont. The approval must be made prior to collecting any signatures. Billi will need 24,175 signatures in order to place it on next year’s ballot.

Montana’s legislature had a measure to legalize concealed carry on public college campuses. It passed in the Senate, but did not make it in the House of Representatives. The final ballot vote was 49-51.

Other states have similar bills making their way to their respective Senates for a vote. Texas just passed a bill that will allow concealed weapons on college campuses. With Texas’ more lenient rules concerning guns, this bill comes as no surprise. This win for gun enthusiasts in the Lone Star State could pave the way for other states, such as Montana, that want to toss around the idea of guns being carried legally in our nation’s schools.