House Republicans reject DeLaney’s responsible gun safety legislation

Indiana House Republicans today rejected a proposal from State Rep. Ed DeLaney (D-Indianapolis) to enact responsible gun safety legislation and close a loophole in state and federal law.

DeLaney’s amendment would have required a background check before a handgun can be sold at a gun show at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Failure to comply with this requirement would result in a Class A misdemeanor.

“I was attempting to close a loophole in existing law that has been used by criminals to purchase firearms,” DeLaney said. “While there is state and federal law that requires background checks before the purchase of a firearm, neither federal or state law requires a background check for the private sale of a firearm, either a handgun or a long gun. While this is often called the ‘gun show loophole,’ it covers any private party transfer.

“My amendment would have taken care of this situation, but it is difficult to get many of my fellow Republican lawmakers to support legislation that promotes gun safety and responsible gun ownership, even when over 80% of Hoosiers support it,” he continued. “I’ve offered an amendment like this before, because it reflects the rising concern so many people have about the toll that gun violence has on our communities. How many more people are we going to lose to gun violence before we decide that we have to do something? I remain ready and willing to pass common sense legislation this session that keeps dangerous weapons out of the hands of criminals.”