INDIANAPOLIS – A new proposal could allow people to carry loaded guns in public without a license in Indiana.
A committee of Indiana legislators met Tuesday during a public meeting to decide if they should get rid of the law that requires a license for gun owners. Safety officials and other city leaders urged lawmakers to reject the proposal.
"I'm kind of flabbergasted that they would even be considering this idea,” said Rachel Guglielmo.
Members of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America said the law could put everyone at risk.
"I have three kids and I worry about their safety and I worry about the safety of our communities,” said Guglielmo.
Indiana’s current law says gun holders must pass a criminal background check and be at least 18 years old to obtain a license.
Kendallville Police Chief Rob Wiley said he's worried that people who were previously denied a permit would lawfully carry a weapon.
“The law that is currently in existence in Indiana is a very second amendment friendly law quite frankly, while still allowing officers to do what they need to do, which is protect the general public,” said Wiley.
During the meeting, many of the representatives questioned whether requiring a permit is constitutional.
"We have the state that is forcing an innocent person to get online, apply for a license, go get fingerprinted. They have to take a half day or full day off work and pay a fee to the state to exercise a constitutional right,” said Rep. Jim Lucas.
If the proposal reaches support from the committee, it could be introduced as a bill during the next legislative session in January 2018.
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