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. Ryan Lauer (R-Columbus) and Jim Lucas (R-Seymour).
House Bill 1077, also known as lawful carry and co-authored by Lauer and Lucas, 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. Lucas 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.
"There continue to be misconceptions about constitutional carry, and it needs to be made clear this would not affect who can and cannot own a gun in Indiana," said Lucas, a member of the House Public Policy Committee. "This is common-sense legislation to ensure Hoosiers can exercise their basic Second Amendment Right without having to wait weeks to receive a state-mandated license."
According to Lauer, 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 help Hoosiers who can already lawfully own a firearm protect themselves and their family," Lauer said. "This legislation benefits responsible gun owners and increases penalties for illegal gun crimes. There are also strong processes already in place that are designed to prevent firearms from ending up in the wrong hands."
Lauer 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. Ryan Lauer (R-Columbus) represents House District 59,
which includes portions of Bartholomew County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Jim Lucas (R-Seymour) represents House District 69,
which includes portions of Bartholomew, Jackson, Jennings and Jefferson counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
