State attorney general to rule on Missoula's new gun rules

MISSOULA (AP) — Montana’s attorney general will issue a legal opinion on a Missoula ordinance requiring background checks for private gun sales.

The Montana Department of Justice received a formal request for an opinion on the measure from Austin Knudsen, the Speaker of the Montana House of Representatives, department spokesman John Barnes said.

The Missoula ordinance takes effect in late October and will require the background checks for most private gun sales or trades. The rule makes some exceptions for family transfers, hunting and emergency self-defense.

Attorney General Tim Fox...