TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — In the Indiana General Assembly, a proposed bill could change the requirements for Indiana residents to carry guns openly or concealed.
If passed, Hoosiers over the age of 18 would be eligible to carry a gun without needing to obtain a license.
Top Guns Owner Steve Ellis says it’s a bill he is in favor in.
“I’m in favor of any legislation that reduces restrictions on law abiding citizens when it comes to the second amendment. The reality is restrictions apply to those who are going to follow the rules to begin with,” Ellis said.
Moms Demand Action, a gun violence prevention organization, says that if passed, this bill would put citizens at risk.
“It lowers the bar for who can have a gun in public. It lets people who have dangerous histories, who should not have access to a weapon, it allows them to now have access,” Meganne Masko of Moms Demand Action with Hendricks County said.
Masko says one of her biggest concerns is public safety.
Currently to carry a firearm, openly or concealed, residents must complete a process that includes completing an application and getting their fingerprints documented.
“The system we have in Indiana is pretty effective. It doesn’t require very much money. it doesn’t require a lot of time, like you said that everyone in public that carries a handgun has passed a background check,” Masko said.
This bill would prohibit individuals with a criminal background from carrying a handgun.
“In essence, anytime we pass any type of fire arm registration that prohibits or restricts us, you’re only doing that to those of us willing to follow the law. You’re only impacting law-abiding citizens,” Ellis said.
