Indiana: 2017 Legislative Session Adjourns

With the 2017 legislative session having adjourned, we are pleased to announce the passage and signing of these bills which will enhance your Second Amendment rights in Indiana.

Senate Bill 13, introduced by state Senator Jim Tomes (R-49) and sponsored by state Representative Ben Smaltz (R-52), passed the Senate with a 49-1 vote and the House with an 88-7 vote.  SB 13 allows handguns to be used as security for loans which ensures that handguns are treated like any other property to allow law-abiding citizens more options in securing loans.  SB 13 will go into effect on July 1, 2017. 

Senate Bill 43, introduced by state Senator James Tomes (R-49) and sponsored by state Representative Jim Lucas (R-69), passed the Senate with a 39-7 vote and the House with a 76-16 vote.  SB 43 allows employees to store firearms in their personal vehicles parked at correctional facilities.  Additionally this bill allows licensed state employees to carry a handgun within the state capitol building.  SB 43 ensures that these state employees have the right to defend themselves during, and after, work like many other citizens of Indiana.  SB 43 went into effect when the Governor signed it on April 26, 2017.

House Bill 1071, introduced by state Representative Sean Eberhart (R-57) and sponsored by state Senator Mark Messmer (R-48), passed the House with a 74-26 vote and the Senate with a 38-12 vote.  HB 1071 ensures that victims of domestic violence are not left defenseless at their most vulnerable time, while waiting for their carry permit to be approved.  HB 1071 provides victims of domestic violence, stalking, and sexual abuse added protections against would be abusers while also protecting our constitutional right to self-defense and due process.  If a victim is in danger, it is even more important that they be allowed to protect themselves without delay.  HB 1071 will go into effect on July 1, 2017. 

House Bill 1095, introduced by state Representative Woody Burton (R-58) and sponsored by state Senator Rodric Bray (R-37), passed the House with a 91-2 vote and the Senate with a 48-0 vote.  HB 1095 reforms the definition of “armor piercing ammunition” to mirror the federal law.  By doing so, it updates the current Indiana law which erroneously prohibits plastic coated ammunition.  Coating a bullet in plastic does not make it armor piercing, but it does reduce fouling and wear on a firearm and reduces lead fumes without the higher cost of copper plated bullets.  This simply allows target shooters in Indiana to take advantage of the same advances in polymer technology that many others around the country enjoy when shooting recreationally.  HB 1095 will go into effect on July 1, 2017. 

House Bill 1415, introduced by state Representative Sean Eberhart (R-57) and sponsored by state Senator Susan Glick (R-13), passed the House with a 90-8 vote and the Senate with a 41-8 vote. Among other things, HB 1415 expands hunting opportunities by amending Indiana’s rifle season for deer hunting (created last year) to allow for the use of more rifle calibers.  This makes hunting more accessible and enhances hunter retention and recruitment efforts in the state.  HB 1415 will go into effect on July 1, 2017. 

Your NRA-ILA would like to thank all of the legislators who worked hard to pass these pro-gun/pro-hunting measures. Your NRA-ILA would also like to thank Governor Eric Holcomb for signing them into law.  Finally, your NRA-ILA would like to thank all the members who stayed engaged throughout the 2017 legislative session and contacted their elected officials in support of these measures.  This successful season was made possible by the thousands of active Second Amendment supporters across Indiana.  Your NRA-ILA will be back next year to continue protecting your Second Amendment rights in the Hoosier State.