Montana has become the 18th state to adopt permitless concealed carry, also known as Constitutional Carry.
The law will go into effect on June 1, 2021, and will allow Montana citizens who are legally able to possess firearms to carry them in public places such as restaurants, bars, parks, etc.
Private property owners can still prohibit the carry of firearms on their premises. Concealed carry is permitted but you must have a CCW to carry in state and local government buildings. The carrying of a concealed weapon while intoxicated is not allowed. Concealed or open carry, with or without a permit, is forbidden in school buildings.
Utah also recently passed Constitutional Carry as well. It was signed into law earlier this year.
More and more states are moving in the direction of permitless carry in recent years. As recent as 2002, Vermont was the only state that allowed Constitutional Carry.
More than 1/3 of the states (36%) now allow permitless concealed carry in some form.
Constitutional Carry is a trend that is certain to continue nationwide.