Indiana House Votes To Remove License To Carry Handguns. Some State Police Are Opposed

The following report is from the South Bend Tribune:

Despite opposition from State Police, the Indiana House on Monday voted to eliminate the license to carry a handgun in Indiana.

House Bill 1369 passed the House by a 65-31 vote and now heads to the Senate, where it’s already picked up key endorsements. Under the legislation, sometimes called “constitutional carry,” certain offenders still could be prohibited from carrying handguns.

The bill would eliminate the license in March 2022. The licenses raise $5.3 million per year to train law enforcement officers, a tab that taxpayers would at least partially have to pick up.

Opponents worry the bill would make police officers and the general public less safe, but advocates say law abiding citizens should not have to pay for a right guaranteed to them by the Constitution.

This bill is for the lawful citizen in the state of Indiana. This bill is for the person who obeys our laws who right now has to jump over the hurdles to be the person that gets the permit.

Rep. Ben Smaltz, R-Auburn. Bill author

Some Democrats point out Republicans in the past have supported laws that appear to limit other amendments to the Constitution.

Rep. Terri Austin, D-Anderson, argued that there are plenty of constitutional rights Hoosiers don’t automatically get to practice, including voting, which requires citizens to register.

Why should the Second Amendment be any different than the 15th?

Rep. Terri Austin, D-Anderson

The second amendment states: A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

The fifteenth amendment states: The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude–
The Congress shall have the power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.

Opponents say police would not have an easy way to check whether someone is allowed to carry a firearm. Nor would there be a check on those who try to carry when they are not supposed to.

Permits generally are granted, in Indiana. In 2020, almost 4% of more than 120,000 handgun license applicants were denied, according to state data.

This will cause less peace. Our people will be less safe.

Rep. Mitch Gore, D-Indianapolis

Gore is a captain with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.

The bill would require state police and the Bureau of Motor Vehicles to develop a process to enable law enforcement to quickly check whether someone is prohibited from carrying a handgun.

Opponents worry that system won’t be in place by that March 2022 start date, or ever.

Indiana State Police Superintendent Douglas Carter was among those who testified in opposition to the bill in committee because he said it shifts the burden from those carrying the firearms to officers.

Other officers, however, testified in support of the legislation.

There also could be a financial impact to the state.

Bill Eliminates Millions

Usually handgun licenses fees help go toward training for local law enforcement officers. According to a fiscal analysis of the bill, police departments could lose a collective $5.3 million in fiscal year 2023 if the bill passes.

House Republicans put $3.5 million for local police department training into the $36.3 billion two-year state budget proposal to help offset the lost revenue. That budget bill passed the House on Monday evening by a 65-30 vote.

Here’s How Out-of-State Licensing Would Work

Hoosiers would still be able to get a reciprocity license to carry for other states. Five-year licenses would be free, while lifetime permits would cost $75. That money would help make up for the loss of in-state permits as well, though it’s unclear how much money that provision would generate.

Since at least 2016, advocates have pushed for so-called “constitutional carry” in Indiana, but have never been able to get the bill across the finish line. Lawmakers, however, have successfully already made it easier to get a permit, nixing the costs associated with short-term permits.

The governor had signed that 2019 bill in front of the National Rifle Association convention.

Both the budget and House Bill now move to the Senate for consideration.

---

AUTHOR COMMENTARY

I have said to friends and individuals who do not live in Indiana where I live, that this state has some of the loosest guns of all 50 states. This bill would make that even looser than ever before, obviously.

To say that a more well-armed population will make things dangerous is a stretch to say the least. All you have to do is look at places like Chicago, a gun free city, and look at the number of shootings and death by shootings to see that removing guns clearly does not stop the problem. The city of South Bend, about 15-20 minutes from where I live, sees a TON of shootings. Its a daily occurrence. Parts of the city are nice (cleanliness) because of the University of Notre Dame, but then right next door are total ghettos. Many of you may remember former mayor Pete Buttigieg (who is now Biden’s head of transportation)? Those shootings only increased each year under his watch.

Indianapolis ranks 22 in death rates according to CBS, the capital city where this officer in the article claims the proposed bill will “cause less peace.” South Bend ranks 64. A well-armed population prevents additional deaths because criminals will think twice before pulling their gun because the passerby or homeowner is loaded too. End of story.

Post your thoughts below.

---

The WinePress needs your support! If God has laid it on your heart to want to contribute, please prayerfully consider donating to this ministry. If you cannot gift a monetary donation, then please donate your fervent prayers to keep this ministry going! Thank you and may God bless you.

CLICK TO DONATE