Our Constitution and Bill of Rights detail the many freedoms and rights we have as U.S. citizens. The Second Amendment declares Americans have the right to keep and bear arms, which many Hoosiers exercise daily. To strengthen this right, I am supporting legislation this session that would allow lawful Hoosiers to carry a handgun without having to get a government-issued license.
It's no secret that criminals are not waiting around on their carry license before they decide to carry a handgun. However, law-abiding Hoosiers will jump through the government hoops to apply, and wait weeks or even months to get their license.
Currently, those steps to carry include filling out an application, scheduling a fingerprinting appointment and completing local law enforcement agency processing within 180 days. After these steps are taken, the Indiana State Police review the application and mail the permit or rejection notification. Like other agencies and organizations during the pandemic, fingerprinting clinics and sheriff offices were closed to the public at times, delaying the process for Hoosiers to obtain a license.
Law-abiding citizens should not have to wait to protect themselves or their loved ones.
Eighteen other states, including Kentucky, have already passed "lawful carry" where law-abiding citizens, who are not otherwise prohibited from carrying or possessing a handgun, can carry without a government-issued permit.
This legislation would not change the requirements to purchase a handgun. Hoosier firearm buyers would still have to complete the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives form, and be approved by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System. Reciprocity permits would still be available and recognized, so Hoosiers could legally carry in other eligible states. Under the current bill, there would continue to be no fee for a five-year personal protection license, and the fee for a lifetime personal protection license would remain $125.
House Bill 1369 is now with the Senate for further consideration. Stay updated on legislation and other state issues through my e-newsletter by subscribing at in.gov/h75. Please reach out at 317-232-9769 or h75@iga.in.gov to share your input and thoughts on legislation, which helps me as I vote on bills impacting our state and community.
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State Rep. Cindy Ledbetter (R-Newburgh) represents House District 75,
which includes portions of Pike, Spencer and Warrick counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
