Payne: Constitutional carry bill supporting Hoosier gun owners advances to Senate

Will no affect current owners

STATEHOUSE (Jan. 13, 2022) – Legislation supporting law-abiding Hoosier gun owners advanced to the Senate Tuesday after clearing the Indiana House of Representatives, according to State Rep. Zach Payne (R-Charlestown).

House Bill 1077, also known as constitutional carry and co-authored by Payne, would allow law-abiding adults who are legally eligible to obtain a carry permit, to carry a handgun without first having to obtain government permission. Payne said the bill's passage out of the House brings Indiana one step closer to joining the 21 other states with constitutional carry, including Kentucky and Tennessee.

"Every responsible Hoosier should have the right to defend themselves and their loved ones," Payne said. "This is a step in the right direction to ensuring Indiana is protecting the constitutional rights of our law-abiding citizens."

According to Payne, House Bill 1077 would not impact current permit holders, the availability of permits in the future or the process to legally purchase a handgun. Hoosiers who purchase a firearm are still required to complete the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives form, and approved by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System.

Payne said the five year and lifetime reciprocity permits would still be available free to Hoosiers. Permit holders have reciprocity to carry in 31 other states.

The bill would also enhance the penalty for theft of a firearm from a Level 6 felony to a Level 5 felony, which carries a sentence of between 1 to 6 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

Visit iga.in.gov for more information on House Bill 1077.