INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Republican state representative Jim Lucas from Seymour has proposed legislation that would eliminate the requirement for handgun licenses. Lucas believes it is unreasonable for the government to require law-abiding citizens to prove they are innocent and pay for the permit. As many as 14 states have “constitutional carry” laws in place.
Lucas says it would not change the legal status of people that cannot legally possess a handgun, nor would the proposal allow those people to legally acquire a handgun. He says the measure would accurately reflect what Article 1, Section 32 of the Indiana Constitution says, “people shall have a right to bear arms, for the defense of themselves and the state.”
Lucas cites the record-setting pace of conceal carry permits issued in Indiana. As of the third quarter of 2016, there are more than 753,000 permits approved in Indiana. Woman make up the fastest segment of Hoosiers with applications in process. Since 2012, the number of total permits has increased 50 percent.
Representative Lucas also says he would like to reintroduce a bill to eliminate gun-free zones and provide a tax credit for Hoosiers that take a gun safety class or purchase a gun safe.
