STATEHOUSE – Legislators will begin considering several bills on Monday, Jan. 8.
Some of those deal with guns. One proposal, Senate Bill 24, authored by State Senator Lonnie Randolph, would increase the minimum age to buy from 18 to 21.
In Indiana, voters are allowed to bring guns into a voting location unless it’s a church, a school, or a private space where firearms are not allowed, but Senate Bill 26 would prohibit guns anywhere near a polling place.
Senate Bill 26, also authored by Lonnie Randolph, prohibits a person from carrying a firearm in or near a chute, the area leading up to the polls, polls and certain areas where voters congregate or are likely to congregate, or any room where ballots are being counted. Provides that the offense is a Class C misdemeanor. Enhances the offense to a Class A misdemeanor if the person has a prior unrelated conviction for the offense or Level 6 felony if the firearm is pointed at another person.
 Senate Bill 66, authored by State Senator Andrea Hunley, would require all private gun sales to go through background checks at a firearms store before the sale of the weapon.
The bill also requires a retail dealer to display a sign with language stating that failing to secure a firearm against unauthorized access poses a safety risk to children.
Another bill, Senate Bill 95, authored by State Senator Fady Qaddour, would allow local cities and towns in Indiana to pass ordinances to regulate firearms in their communities, more than state law does.Â
The bill would allow law enforcement to make recommendations to be supported by the local community to reduce gun violence in the community.
