Action Remains on the Final Two NRA-Backed Bills!
In one of the most successful pro-gun legislative sessions in the Hoosier State’s recent history, the Indiana General Assembly passed and sent several pro-firearm freedom bills to the governor. At this time Governor Mitch Daniels has already signed three NRA-supported bills into law, including the “Parking Lot 2.0” bill and the “Non-Contiguous State Firearm Purchase” bill. However, the “Transport Permit Reform” and “Firearm Preemption Reform” bills are still awaiting the Governor’s consideration.
Senate Bill 506, the “Transport Permit Reform” bill, would make important reforms to Indiana’s current “transport permit” requirement. It is currently illegal to transport a handgun in your vehicle without some form of state-issued permit for any reason unless driving from the point of purchase to your home or to your fixed place of business, or from your home or fixed place of business to a gunsmith for repair. The “Transport Permit Reform” bill passed in the Senate by a 43 to 7 vote and in House by an 84 to 13 vote. This bill will soon go to the governor for his signature and still needs your support.
Click links below to see how your state Representative and state Senator voted to reform Indiana’s “firearm transport permit.”
Indiana House of Representatives Roll Call vote for SB 506
Indiana Senate Roll Call vote for SB 506
As recently reported, the NRA’s top legislative priority, the “Firearm Preemption Reform” bill, passed in the General Assembly on the final day of the 2011 legislative session. Senate Bill 292, would mandate a strong and meaningful statewide standard for all firearm laws in Indiana. SB 292 will now be sent to Governor Daniels to be signed into law.
Click links below to see how your state Representative and state Senator voted to establish a strong, statewide mandate for Indiana firearm laws.
Indiana House of Representatives Roll Call vote for SB 292
Indiana Senate Roll Call vote for Senate Bill 292
Governor Daniels has signed three NRA-backed bills into law, but he needs to hear from NRA members across Indiana to encourage his signature on these remaining two pieces of legislation. When you call Governor Mitch Daniels, please thank him for signing the legislation below into law, and respectfully urge him to continue his strong support of the Second Amendment by signing into law SB 506 and SB 292! Contact information for the Governor can be found here.
On April 26, Governor Daniels signed into law Senate Enrolled Act 94, bringing an Indiana statute in line with federal law allowing for the purchase of long guns in non-contiguous states. SEA 94 was sponsored in the House by state Representative Matthew Lehman (R-79) and cosponsored by state Representative Sean Eberhart (R-57).
Authored in the Senate by state Senator Travis Holdman (R-43) and co-authored by state Senator Jim Tomes (R-49), the “Non-Contiguous State Firearm Purchase” bill will allow Hoosiers to purchase a long gun in any state, and allow a citizen of any other state to purchase a long gun in Indiana, so long as both states allow such purchases. SEA 94 brings Indiana law into line with current BATFE recognition of non-contiguous state long gun purchases, following changes in federal law with the 1986 Firearm Owners Protection Act.
Click links below to see how your state Representative and state Senator voted for the “Non-Contiguous State Firearm Purchase” bill.
Indiana House of Representatives Roll Call vote on SEA 94
Indiana Senate Roll Call vote on SEA 94
On April 20, Governor Mitch Daniels signed into law Senate Enrolled Act 154, allowing loaded firearms on off-road vehicles on private property, if the person carrying the firearm owns or has permission to be on the property.
Authored in the Senate by state Senator Brent Steele (R-44) and sponsored in the House by Representative Sean Eberhart (R-57), SEA 154 passed the Senate by a 45 to 1 vote, and in the House by a 83 to 6 vote.
Click links below to see how your state Representative and state Senator voted to allow loaded firearms on off-road vehicles on private property.
Indiana House of Representatives Roll Call vote on SEA 154
Indiana Senate Roll Call vote on SEA 154
Governor Daniels also signed Senate Enrolled Act 411, the “Parking Lot 2.0” bill, into law on April 15. Authored by NRA Board Member and state Senator Johnny Nugent (R-43) and co-authored by state Senator Jim Tomes (R-49). This legislation is the follow-up bill to last year’s Parking Lot law and sailed through both chambers without serious opposition or threatening amendments. The “Parking Lot 2.0” bill was sponsored in the House by state Representative Sean Eberhart (R-57).
Click links below to see how your state Representative and Senator voted to protect Hoosier employees from anti-gun workplace discrimination.
Indiana House of Representatives Roll Call vote for SEA 411
Indiana Senate Roll Call vote for SEA 411
NRA member’s communications to their state legislators can have a big impact on how theys vote on firearm-related legislation, both now and in the future. It is just as important to thank your legislators after they supported the Second Amendment as it is to ask for their vote. Please take a moment to send your Representative and Senator a note of thanks. Contact information for the Indiana General Assembly can be found here.
Once signed, each of the above laws will take effect on July 1.