STATEHOUSE (Jan. 6, 2022) – State Rep. Ben Smaltz's (R-Auburn) legislation ensuring law-abiding Hoosier adults can carry a firearm without first obtaining a government-issued license will advance to the full House after Wednesday's committee approval.
According to Smaltz, Indiana is already behind 21 other states that implement lawful carry on behalf of its citizens.
"My bill supporting lawful gun owners has cleared its first hurdle, and now goes before the full House where it carries a lot of support," Smaltz said. "I am committed to this legislation and know that Hoosiers deserve this commonsense approach so they can legally carry a firearm without a permit."
Smaltz said his proposed legislation would not change the process to legally purchase a handgun, and Hoosiers would still need to complete the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives form, and be approved by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System. He said this ensures only eligible buyers legally purchase handguns.
"The moment the NICS application is approved and the firearm is paid for, Hoosiers should be able to walk out of that establishment and carry it," Smaltz said. "They should not have to hope anything they would need the firearm for happens in the period of time it takes to apply for, and be granted, a state-issued license. This legislation would ensure they won't."
According to Smaltz, reciprocity permits, including five year and lifetime permits, would still be available, and current holders of those permits would still receive that benefit. These permits provide firearm reciprocity, or the ability for Hoosiers to carry in 31 other states. Smaltz said there is no fee for the five year or lifetime personal protection licenses.
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.
This legislation now moves to the full Indiana House for further consideration. Visit iga.in.gov for more information on House Bill 1077.
-30-
State Rep. Ben Smaltz (R-Auburn) represents House District 52, which
includes all of DeKalb County, and portions of Steuben and Allen counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
CAPTION: State Rep. Ben Smaltz (R-Auburn), chair of the House Public Policy Committee, gathers testimony on a bill he is authoring to allow law-abiding Hoosier adults to carry a firearm without having to first obtain a government-issued license Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2022, in the House Chamber at the Statehouse in Indianapolis. The bill passed out of the committee 9-3, and can now be considered by the full House of Representatives.
