Legislators, sheriffs speak out in opposition to home guard bill

Legislators, sheriffs speak out in opposition to home guard bill

Tim Leeds

Some local legislators and the Hill and Blaine county sheriffs have taken a stand in opposition to Rep. Wendy Warburton's proposal on the operation of a home guard system in Montana. The home guard she proposes has been labeled as a paramilitary unit by some, though Warburton bristles at that characterization.

"I'm speechless, " said Sen. Jonathan Windy Boy, D-Box Elder, when asked about Warburton's bill this morning.

Under state law, the governor is authorized to organize, maintain and disband a home guard comprising o...