STATEHOUSE — A bill that will allow Indiana gun owners to carry without a permit passed out of committee in the Senate late Wednesday night.
House Bill 1077, will allow anyone age 18 or older to carry a handgun without a permit except for reasons such as having a felony conviction or having a dangerous mental illness.
The Senate Judiciary Committee passed the bill after late-night voting on proposed amendments to HB 1077. Testimony before the vote lasted for hours, including comments from several police officers and groups like Moms Demand Action.
The committee advanced the bill, despite many amendments getting tabled or defeated, with some lawmakers admitting they just voted “yes” to keep the bill moving forward.
Supporters argue the permit requirement undermines Second Amendment protections by forcing law-abiding citizens to undergo police background checks. Opponents say there should be a vetting process by law enforcement.
The bill passed the Indiana House in a 64 to 29 vote.
If it’s signed into law this year, Indiana would join 21 other states allowing gun owners to carry without a permit.
