STATEHOUSE (Jan. 11, 2022) – Legislation co-authored by State Rep. Matt Lehman (R-Berne) supporting law-abiding Hoosier gun owners advanced to the Senate today after clearing the Indiana House of Representatives.
House Bill 1077, also known as lawful carry, 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. Lehman 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.
"It's time for Indiana to remove this unnecessary red tape placed on law-abiding Hoosiers," Lehman said. "As people who follow the law face government delays, others just ignore this step. I've supported lawful carry for years, and I look forward to getting this over the finish line and ensuring citizens the right to self-defense."
According to Lehman, 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.
Lehman 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 carrying 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. Matt Lehman (R-Berne) represents House District 79,
which includes all of Adams County and portions of Allen and Wells counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
