Committee Scales Back Bill To Eliminate Gun Permits

A bill that would have removed Indiana’s permit to carry a handgun was scaled back Wednesday.

A House Public Policy Committee approved the bill that keeps the handgun carry permit system but lifts some barriers. It extends a permit from four to five years and eliminates a fee for a lifetime permit.

Beth Sprunger with Moms Demand Action says since the permit stays, it’s a win.

“We feel pretty positive that they are not going to move forward with removing the permitting systems which was what our goal was here today,” says Sprunger.

Over the fall, a special study committee debated repealing Indiana’s permit system. Second Amendment Attorney Guy Relford says the issue is not dead in Indiana.

“Constitutional carry isn’t going to go away,” says Relford. “We’re going to be back here again talking about it.”

Background checks for Hoosiers getting a permit stay in place.

Rep. Jim Lucas (R-Seymour) voted begrudgingly in favor.

“I am going to hold my nose doing it,” says Lucas. “I am absolutely appalled and disgusted that the state is concerned about revenue on the licensing of a constitutional right.”

The bill will be reviewed and would then go to the House.

About 800,000 Hoosiers have a permit to carry in Indiana.