Last week, the 2014 session of the Indiana General Assembly convened. With the beginning of this legislative session came several pro-gun bills and some anti-gun bills. Your NRA-ILA will update you throughout the short legislative session on the progress of each of these bills. Bills to keep an eye on include:
Pro-Gun/Pro-Hunting Bills
Senate Joint Resolution 9 – sponsored by state Senator Brent Steele (R-44), SJR 9 guarantees Hoosiers the right to hunt and fish for future generations. The proposed constitutional amendment would preserve Indiana's rich hunting heritage, something that is increasingly under attack by well-organized and well-funded anti-hunting extremists across the nation. SJR 9 has been referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Senate Bill 229 – sponsored by state Senator Jim Tomes (R-49), SB 229 would prohibit government entities, including law enforcement agencies, from conducting taxpayer-funded “buybacks” as well as prohibit the destruction of useable firearms by law enforcement agencies. SB 229 requires law enforcement agencies to either re-sell or return to the original owner those confiscated firearms which are safe and operable. SB 229 has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee.
House Bill 1017 – sponsored by state Representative Jim Lucas (R-69), HB 1017 would extend the Castle Doctrine to include businesses and employees, providing civil immunity for someone who uses justifiable force against another. HB 1017 has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee.
House Bill 1018 – sponsored by Representative Lucas, HB 1018 would prohibit state agencies, including state-funded colleges and universities, from regulating the possession and transportation of firearms and ammunition on property owned or leased by the state. Additionally, HB 1018 would allow someone who is adversely affected by a regulation to bring about action against that state agency imposing such regulations. HB 1018 has been referred to the House Public Policy Committee.
House Bill 1048 – sponsored by Representative Lucas, HB 1048 would extend the current “Parking Lot” statute to include the grounds of a school. HB 1048 would allow someone to keep a legally owned firearm locked away and out of sight in their vehicle on school property. HB 1048 has been referred to the House Public Policy Committee and will be heard on January 15.
Anti-Gun/Anti-Self-Defense Bills
Senate Bill 45 – sponsored by state Senator Jean Breaux (D-34), SB 45 would require anyone who applies for a license to carry a handgun to undergo eight hours of training. Currently, Indiana does not require training to receive a license to carry a handgun. SB 45 has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Senate Bill 46 – sponsored by Senator Breaux (D-34), SB 46 would establish greater burdens of proof for the use of deadly force in self-defense.
Please begin contacting your state Senator and Representative in SUPPORT of SJR 9, SB 229, HB 1017, HB 1018 and HB 1048. Your NRA-ILA will continue to keep you updated on the progress of these bills and others as they progress during the 2014 legislative session.
Contact information for your state legislators can be found here.
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