This week, the Indiana legislature passed two pro-gun bills.
Senate Joint Resolution 2, sponsored by state Senator Brent Steele (R-44) and state Representative Sean Eberhart (R-57), is a measure that would create a state Constitutional Right to Hunt and Fish. SJR 2 is critical to protect Indiana’s rich hunting heritage for future generations. The language in this resolution was passed by both legislative chambers in 2014, and was required to be passed again in 2015 to qualify for the 2016 General Election ballot. On February 10, SJR 2 passed the Indiana Senate on a 42 to 7 vote, and yesterday, April 14, it passed the House on an 81 to 12 vote. Now that SJR 2 has passed through the Indiana legislature twice, it is up to Hoosiers to decide if the joint resolution becomes an Indiana constitutional amendment on Election Day in 2016.
In addition to SJR 2, Senate Bill 98, sponsored by state Representative Ben Smaltz (R-52) and state Senator James Tomes (R-49), was passed by the Indiana House Monday. SB 98 modifies the current law that prohibits a lawsuit against a firearms manufacturer and would prevent a person from bringing certain actions against a firearms manufacturer, ammunition manufacturer, trade association, or seller. On February 23, SB 98 passed the Indiana Senate on a 37 to 11 vote, and passed the House on April 13 by a 72 to 23 vote.
Your NRA-ILA will continue to keep you updated when more information becomes available.