STATEHOUSE (Feb. 24, 2023) – The Indiana House of Representatives today advanced State Rep. Jim Lucas' (R-Seymour) legislation that would help local law enforcement departments obtain needed equipment like ballistic vests.
Currently, law enforcement agencies have multiple options to dispose of confiscated firearms, including selling them to federally licensed firearm dealers, manufacturers and other law enforcement departments. Under Lucas' House Bill 1348, departments could also trade confiscated firearms with these entities in exchange for items like new firearms, ammunition and other equipment.
"This legislation provides an additional pathway for law enforcement agencies to get the vital equipment they need," Lucas said. "We want our public safety officers to be well-equipped, and I look forward to taking this legislation across the finish line to support our local departments."
Lucas said any law enforcement agency trading a confiscated firearm for equipment would keep a public record of every exchange made, including what was exchanged, with whom and what equipment was obtained. Confiscated firearms would continue to be held for at least 180 days before the agency decides how to dispose of them. During that time, police make reasonable attempts to return the property to owners, unless they are convicted of an offense related to misuse of the firearm.
Indiana law also allows for firearms to be released to the state police department laboratory or other forensic laboratories to be used in trainings and research.
House Bill 1348 now moves to the Indiana Senate for further consideration. Visit iga.in.gov to learn more about the bill and track it through the legislative process.
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State Rep. Jim Lucas (R-Seymour) represents House District 69,
which includes portions of Bartholomew, Jackson, Scott and Washington counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
