Stand Your Ground Expansion, Gun Regulations Bill Headed To Governor

Legislation expanding Indiana’s Stand Your Ground law and changing some gun regulations is headed to the governor’s desk.

One part of the final measure is the Stand Your Ground expansion. Existing law says you can’t be held criminally liable if you use force to defend yourself, another person or your property. The legislation extends that to civil court.

The other, more controversial portion of the bill deals with guns in churches that are on school property. Current law bars weapons from those worship spaces unless the school gives its OK. Rep. Jim Lucas (R-Seymour) is no fan of that.

“Churches are a soft target and they really do need to be protected,” Lucas says.

The bill now allows the property owner – whether it’s the school or the church – to make the decision on guns in the worship space. Sen. Greg Taylor (D-Indianapolis) is skeptical.

“I can’t believe we’re going to have people sitting in church with firearms expecting to defend the entire church,” Taylor says.

One last provision of the bill eliminates the fee for Indiana’s short, five-year handgun licenses.