A special legislative study committee discussed whether to eliminate Indiana’s license requirement to carry a handgun. The proposed move is part of a nationwide shift known as “constitutional carry.” Twelve states currently have laws allowing people to carry guns in public without a permit. Rep. Jim Lucas (R-Seymour) proposed a bill to eliminate Indiana’s restrictions last session. He says the right to carry is clear in the U.S. Constitution and in Indiana. Article 1 Section 32 of the Indiana State Constitution reads that people should have the right to bear arms in defense of themselves and the state… now aren’t the words shall and shall not absolute? Lucas says. Numerous law enforcement professionals testified against repealing Indiana’s law that requires people to undergo a background check. Indiana State Police Maj. Mike White says it’s a safety concern. Any sort of vetting that we can do and make sure that even that one person who shouldn’t be carrying, doesn’t carry, that’s what
↧