STATEHOUSE (March 10, 2016) – A proposal authored by State Rep. Lloyd Arnold (R-Leavenworth), which would authorize the use of a wider range of firearms for hunting deer, is on its way to the governor’s desk.
House Enrolled Act (HEA) 1231 would allow the use of more accessible firearms, which are currently not permitted, to be used to hunt deer during firearms season. These firearms are already legal to use for hunting other species. They would only be permitted on privately owned land. A lot of compromise took place during the process and the bill, which was narrowed down in scope from the original version, passed by a vote of 84-5.
“I want to introduce legislation that most people can support and it is clear House Bill 1231 has the backing of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle,” Arnold said. “This bill gives hunters more freedom to enjoy the sport they love while offering appropriate protections for Hoosiers across the state.”
Under HEA 1231, the Department of Natural Resources would also file a report on the impact of the use these additional firearms to the General Assembly.
-30-
Rep. Arnold (R-Leavenworth) represents portions of Spencer, Dubois, Perry, Crawford and Orange counties.
