Indiana: Important Self-Defense Bills to House Floor After Passing Committees

This week, House Bill 1284 and House Bill 1643 have passed committee and will now head to the House floor for further consideration.  HB 1284, which would enhance protections afforded to law-abiding citizens acting in defense of themselves and others, has been placed on the House floor calendar for February 7^th.  HB 1643 would improve the ability of law-abiding citizens to defend themselves in Indiana by eliminating fees and reducing the areas where they would be left defenseless.  HB 1643 is expected to be placed on the House floor calendar in the near future.  Please contact your state Representative and urge them to SUPPORT HB 1284 and HB 1643.  Click the “Take Action” button below to contact your state Representative.

House Bill 1284, sponsored by Representative Jim Lucas (R-69), passed from the House Committee on Judiciary by a vote of 9-2.  It would provide immunity for a justified use of force in certain instances to help prevent frivolous lawsuits.  Victims of violent crime shouldn’t be subjected to unnecessary civil suits, therefore being victimized twice.  This bill would also require a court to award, in certain instances, reasonable attorney's fees if it determines a suit was brought unjustly, helping to prevent financial ruin for individuals protecting themselves and others.

House Bill 1643, sponsored by Representative Ben Smaltz (R-52), passed from the House Committee on Public Policy by a vote of 12-0.  It would increase the duration of a 4-year License to Carry a Handgun (LTCH) to five years and also eliminate the fee.  In addition, it would allow gun owners greater ability to carry a firearm for self-defense in houses of worship, while respecting private property owner rights.

Again, please click the “Take Action” button above to contact your state Representative and urge them to SUPPORT HB 1284 and HB 1643.