Smith raises alarm about Republican efforts to eliminate handgun permits

INDIANAPOLIS - State Rep. Vernon G. Smith (D-Gary) today voiced his concerns about legislative efforts to eliminate handgun permits in Indiana.

“Last session, we passed bipartisan legislation to create a statewide gun crimes task force addressing the rising rates of gun crimes in Indiana,” Smith said. “Despite this, Republicans are moving forward with legislation that runs in opposition to these goals.”

In testimony on Wednesday, Indiana State Police Superintendent Doug Carter stated his opposition to House Bill 1077, which would eliminate the state handgun permit requirement. Carter is one of many law enforcement officials who testified in opposition to the legislation.

“Superintendent Carter’s testimony in opposition to eliminating handgun permits was powerful and moving,” Smith said. “I do not understand how any member of the legislature could vote for such a proposal after hearing about the detrimental consequences this bill would have on public safety.”

“It's clear Republicans are continuing to push divisive and dangerous legislation this session in an effort to appease their base ahead of election season,” Smith said. “It's time to stop playing partisan politics and start advocating for solutions to violence in our communities.”

Indiana’s current permitting system prevented over 10,000 dangerous individuals from carrying handguns in just the last year.

“In communities where there are more guns, there are naturally more homicides,” Smith added. “This legislation makes it easier for criminals to possess firearms, and ultimately puts more guns on the streets, a problem which already plagues too many communities in our state.”

Senate Republicans signaled in a press conference last week that constitutional carry language will be added to another bill before the conclusion of session.