Indiana: House Takes Up NRA-Backed Pro-Hunting Legislation!

Please Contact Members of the House Public Policy Committee

After passing in the Indiana Senate with overwhelming bi-partisan support, NRA-backed Senate Bill 243 now awaits it’s hearing in the House Public Policy Committee.  A hearing could be set as early as Wednesday, February 22.

SB 243 would allow Hoosiers to use lawfully-possessed suppressors (also referred to as silencers) on firearms for hunting.  Currently, Indiana law permits use of suppressors for all shooting activities except for the taking of game.  Enactment of SB 243 would ensure that hunting is treated the same way as other shooting activities with respect to the use of suppressors, and allow hunters to reap the many benefits suppressor use provides.

In order to acquire a suppressor, a purchaser must submit the appropriate paperwork to the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives where long wait times for approval are unfortunately common (four to six months), undergo a background check by the FBI, find a licensed dealer authorized to conduct the transaction and pay a one-time $200 tax for each device.  While suppressors do not eliminate the sound of a firearm, they do reduce the muzzle report in a manner similar to the way that a muffler reduces exhaust noise from a vehicle.  The benefits associated with suppressor use include increased accuracy due to reduced recoil and muzzle blast, protection from hearing damage and reduced noise pollution. 

Noise complaints are being used more frequently as an excuse to close shooting ranges, informal shooting areas, and hunting lands throughout the country.  Increased use of suppressors will help to eliminate many of these complaints and protect hunting and shooting areas well into the future.  For more information on firearms and suppressors, click here.

Please contact members of the House Public Policy Committee TODAY to respectfully urge them to pass SB 243!

House Public Policy Committee:

Representative Bill Davis (R-33), Chairman
1-800-382-9841
[email protected]
 
Representative Wes Culver (R-49), Vice Chairman
1-800-382-9841
[email protected]
 
Representative Sean Eberhart (R-57) 
1-800-382-9841
[email protected]
 
Representative Tom Knollman (R-55)  
1-800-382-9841
[email protected]
 
Representative Matthew Lehman (R-79)  
1-800-382-9841
[email protected]
 
Representative Jack Lutz (R-35) 
1-800-382-9841
h35@in-gov
 
Representative Mark Messmer (R-63)
1-800-382-9841
h63@in-gov
 
Representative Timothy Wesco (R-21) 
1-800-382-9841
h21@in-gov
 
Representative Phil GiaQuinta (D-80)
1-800-382-9841
h80@in-gov
 
Representative Terri Austin (D-36)
1-800-382-9841
h36@in-gov
 
Representative Linda Lawson (D-1)
1-800-382-9841
h1@in-gov
 
Representative Scott Pelath (D-9)
1-800-382-9841
h9@in-gov

Representative Vanessa Summers (D-99)
1-800-382-9841
h99@in-gov