The House Public Policy Committee heard HB 1077 on firearm matters authored by Rep. Smaltz.The bill:
- Repeals the law that requires a person to obtain a license to carry a handgun in Indiana
- Specifies that eligible persons who are not otherwise prohibited from carrying or possessing a handgun are not required to obtain or possess a license or permit from the state to carry a handgun in Indiana
- Prohibits ineligible individuals from knowingly or intentionally carrying a handgun
- Creates the crime of “unlawful carrying of a handgun” and specifies the penalties for committing this crime
- Allows particular individuals who do not meet the requirements to receive a handgun license and are not otherwise prohibited to carry a handgun in limited places
- Makes theft of a firearm a Level 5 felony
The Indiana Attorney General’s Office, Hoosier Gun Rights, the Hamilton County Sheriff, National Rifle Association, Indiana State Rifle and Pistol Association, attorney Guy Relford, and members of the public testified in support of the bill. The Indiana State Police, Indiana State Fraternal Order of Police, Indiana Association of Chiefs of Police, Moms Demand Action, and several concerned citizens testified in opposition. The bill passed 9-3.
Read the bill at: http://iga.in.gov/legislative/2022/bills/house/1077