STATEHOUSE (Jan. 13, 2022) – Legislation supporting law-abiding Hoosier gun owners advanced to the Senate Tuesday after clearing the Indiana House of Representatives, according to State Reps. J. Michael Davisson (R-Salem) and Karen Engleman (R-Georgetown).
House Bill 1077, also known as lawful carry and co-authored by Davisson and Engleman, would allow law-abiding adults who are legally eligible to obtain a carry permit, to carry a handgun without first having to obtain government permission. Engleman said the bill's passage out of the House brings Indiana one step closer to joining the 21 other states with lawful carry, including Kentucky and Tennessee.
"Law-abiding Hoosiers should not have to wait months to obtain a permit to exercise their Constitutionally protected right," Engleman said. "The slow speed of government bureaucracy is unacceptable when it comes to protecting yourself and your family. It's my hope that the Senate passes this legislation to remove red tape for lawful gun owners."
According to Davisson, House Bill 1077 would not impact current permit holders, the availability of permits in the future or the process to legally purchase a handgun. Hoosiers who purchase a firearm are still required to complete the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives form, and approved by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System.
"This bill would remove a roadblock for law-abiding Hoosiers who want to protect themselves and their family," Davisson said. "This is common-sense legislation protecting Second Amendment rights and responsible gun owners while also increasing penalties for those who steal a firearm."
Davisson said the five year and lifetime reciprocity permits would still be available free to Hoosiers. Permit holders have reciprocity to carry in 31 other states.
The bill would also enhance the penalty for theft of a firearm from a Level 6 felony to a Level 5 felony, which carries a sentence of between 1 to 6 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Visit iga.in.gov for more information on House Bill 1077.
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State Rep. J. Michael Davisson (R-Salem) represents House District 73, which includes
Washington County, and portions of Orange, Lawrence, Jackson, Clark and Harrison counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Karen Engleman (R-Georgetown) represents House District 70,
which includes most of Harrison County, along with portions of Clark and Floyd counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
