STATEHOUSE (Jan. 13, 2022) – Legislation supporting law-abiding Hoosier gun owners advanced to the Senate this week after clearing the Indiana House of Representatives, according to State Rep. Chris Judy (R-Fort Wayne).
House Bill 1077, also known as lawful carry and co-authored by Judy, 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. Judy 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.
"Safeguarding Hoosier's Second Amendment right is something I've always taken seriously," Judy said. "This piece of legislation simply cuts government red tape for law-abiding Hoosiers wishing to protect themselves and their loved ones. They deserve an easier process than what is now in place."
According to Judy, 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 be approved by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System.
Judy 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. Chris Judy (R-Fort Wayne) represents House District 83,
which includes portions of Allen and Whitley counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
