Now that the dust is settling from the 2023 Indiana General Assembly, we can report that the ISRPA effectively moved the needle in protecting our 2A Rights and successfully advocated against a wide variety of threats. Although our State has supermajorities in both Houses of the legislature, we must still be vigilant against indifference and unwillingness to stand up for our Constitutional Rights and be perseverant in our fight against the misleading siren song of “common sense” gun control by those on the weaker side of the majority spectrum.
ISRPA, working with the National Shooting Sports Foundation and NRA, were successful in “shooting a shot across the bow” of financial institutions that discriminate against those who are engaged in anything pro-2A. The newly-signed Law directs the State, as a consumer, to choose not to do business with pension investment companies that use Environmental & Social Governance policies against entities and individuals engaged in the lawful business of firearms, agriculture and energy. Furthermore, it was a STRONG message by the Indiana Legislature that if the banking and insurance industries persist in perpetrating the anti-American policies and further collude with the forces that are undermining the foundations of our Country, they, too, will be in the State’s crosshairs.
Other legislative successes included limitations on access to firearms license holders personal information, firearms training for teachers, and support for school safety. A Bill of note reiterated the Federal ban against machine guns and parts as a result of law enforcement concerns regarding the “Glock Switch”; ISRPA worked to insert language that further clarified the function of a trigger to prevent an ATF interpretation that could outlaw some currently legal trigger systems, however, the Republican Chairman of the Senate Courts & Criminal Law Committee refused to entertain the amendment.
Indiana remains a staunch protector of the Constitution, including the Second Amendment, however, there were many bills introduced that would have undermined and deteriorated those Rights. We all must remain vigilant and not rest on our laurels because the storm clouds are gathering and the policy environment can change as fast as Indiana weather.
Below is a roundup of recent legislative developments in Indiana regarding firearms & the 2A; FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION AND A COMPLETE LIST OF ISRPA FOLLOWED BILLS, GO TO https://isrpa.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/2023-ISRPA-Legislative-Report-PDF.pdf
Here are the key highlights:
NEW INDIANA LAWS:
1. HB1008 – Pension Investments (Manning E): This bill focuses on the State Public Retirement System’s investments. It requires the Indiana State Treasurer to provide information to the board of trustees regarding service providers who have made an ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) commitment. The bill also prohibits the board from making investment decisions based on non-financial purposes and emphasizes maximizing the target rate of return.
2. HB1177 – Firearms Training for Teachers (Lucas J): This legislation permits the use of funds from the Indiana secured school fund, school corporation, and charter school safety advance program to provide specialized firearms instruction to teachers, school staff, and employees. It also highlights the need for counseling services in the event of a school shooting and emphasizes the creation of a specialized firearms safety curriculum.
3. HB1323 – Information Privacy Relating to Firearms (Haggard C): This bill establishes guidelines for releasing information about applicants and license holders of handgun carry licenses to federal government entities. It allows the release of information for law enforcement purposes and during active criminal investigations.
4. HB1365 – Machine Guns (Gore M): The legislation revises the definition of “machine gun” for the purpose of enhancements and certain criminal offenses.
DEAD BILLS:
5. HB1238 – Regulation of Assault Weapons (Campbell C): This bill prohibits the sale or delivery of semiautomatic assault weapons to individuals under 21 years of age by licensed importers, manufacturers, dealers, or collectors.
6. HB1366 – Firearm Storage (Gore M): This legislation makes it unlawful to keep a loaded firearm accessible to a child on premises controlled by the responsible person. Failure to secure a firearm resulting in a child’s possession is a misdemeanor, while injury or death caused by a child’s use of an unsecured firearm leads to higher penalties.
7. HB1471 – Dangerous Access to a Firearm (Boy P): This bill requires firearm owners to keep firearms locked and unloaded and store ammunition separately in the presence of minors or when the owner is absent. Violation of this requirement is a Level 6 felony.
8. SB144 – Minimum Age to Carry a Handgun (Randolph L): This legislation raises the minimum age for carrying a handgun to 21 years.
9. SB149 – Privately Made Firearms (Randolph L): The bill defines “privately made firearms” and makes it a felony to possess or alter certain firearms without appropriate licensing.
10. SB361 – Regulation of Assault Weapons (Alting R): This bill prohibits licensed importers, manufacturers, dealers, or collectors from selling semiautomatic assault weapons or large capacity ammunition feeding devices to individuals under 21 years of age.
11. SB429 – Various Firearms Matters (Melton E): This comprehensive bill includes provisions related to firearm industry standards of conduct, age restrictions on non-handgun sales, enhanced penalties for carrying handguns without a license, firearm storage regulations, transfer procedures, and penalties for fraudulent activities.
We hope this summary provides you with a concise overview of the recent legislative updates in Indiana. Stay informed, stay engaged!
