Bill Would Remove Parts of 1895 Dueling Laws

Under current Montana law, the winner of a duel may be responsible for supporting the family of their slain opponent.

Even though killing someone, in a duel or not, is illegal, that code from 1895 is still on the books. House Bill 247 would repeal it.

Rep. Braxton Mitchell, R-Colombia Falls, is carrying the bill, which passed the House Wednesday and now moves to the Senate.

“This wasn’t a bill I thought I’d be bringing this session but after working with the Lieutenant Governor on more serious red-tape relief bills, she mentioned this outdated section of code from 1895 and asked if I would car...