In Blow to Gun Lobby, Indiana Legislators Resist Pressure to Recommend Dangerous Permitless Carry Proposal

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, today released the following response after a summer study committee concluded its review of a dangerous proposal that would eliminate the state’s license requirement for carrying a loaded handgun in public. Despite significant pressure from the gun lobby and its allies in the legislature, the committee did not recommend removing the state’s license requirement.

As the committee reviewed the issue, officials from Indiana law enforcement groups urged lawmakers not to remove Indiana’s license requirement. A number of Indiana editorial boards – including The Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, the South Bend Tribune, the Bloomington Herald-Times and the Kokomo Tribune – have also urged legislators to heed the guidance of law enforcement and keep the license requirement in place.

STATEMENT FROM BETH SPRUNGER, VOLUNTEER WITH THE INDIANA CHAPTER OF MOMS DEMAND ACTION FOR GUN SENSE IN AMERICA:

“After taking a close look at this issue and hearing from Indiana law enforcement, our lawmakers stood up for public safety and refused to give the gun lobby what it wanted. Indiana’s license requirement for carrying a loaded handgun in public is a popular, common-sense law, and law enforcement officials have made it clear that it helps them protect our communities. We’re grateful that the summer study committee’s recommendation includes keeping this critical public safety requirement in place.”