It was our pleasure to host Governor Greg Gianforte and First Lady Susan Gianforte at the old Flathead Courthouse. The Governor was in Kalispell to sign two bills that Kalispell Representative Courtenay Sprunger ushered through state legislation earlier this year.
In Montana, we've seen a 1000% increase in Fentanyl confiscation since 2019. Bill 791 increases the mandatory minimum sentence to 2 years of jail time and $50k, or both, for anyone convicted of selling Fentanyl. "If you traffic Fentanyl in the state of Montana, we will find you and we will put you behind bars," promised Gianforte.
House Bill 256 allows our auxiliary reserves -- Flathead County Sheriff's Posse -- to carry a less-than-lethal weapon after completing related training. "The Posse, who receives thousands of hours of training to keep us safe, do so without being able to protect themselves. This bill allows them to carry something more than a radio," said Corporal Charles Pesola.
The passing of both bills is critical to the safety and well-being of our citizens in Flathead County. We thank Courtenay Sprunger for making this goal a reality, and Governor Gianforte for sharing his vision for a drug-free Montana.