Indiana Lawmaker Still Hoping For Free Carry Law

Tuesday, February 26, 2019 at 7:21 AM

By Mike Perleberg and Benjamin Yount, 24/7 News Source

The Indiana House failed to pass a firearms bill by the Monday deadline, but the bill author has plans to revive his legislation.

Indiana Statehouse

(Indianapolis, Ind.) - Just because Indiana lawmakers haven't voted on the plan to allow people to carry a gun for free doesn't mean they won't vote on it. 

State Rep. Ben Smaltz (R-Aurburn), who wrote the plan to remove the fee for a concealed carry permit, said he expects the idea to be resurrected before the end of the session in April.  House Bill 1643 would have also expanded four-year permits to five years while allowing for a more stringent background check.  

In addition to those provisions, Smaltz’s plan would have allowed churches with schools on property to allow parishioners to carry guns while attending church services.

Lawmakers missed the deadline to vote on HB 1643 to send it to the Senate as questions arose about the definition of school property. Monday was the final day for House-filed bills to pass in the House of Representatives.

But, Smaltz said Monday the idea can be inserted into another piece of legislation that did make the deadline.

More from Local News

Comments

Add a comment

Log in to the club or enter your details below.
Rating *

Events

Motorcyclist Killed in Labor Day Crash

The victim hailed from Union, Kentucky

The Music Lives On: Nanni’s Strings to a New Generation

Aurora’s living-room orchestra continues to shape young musicians across Southeast Indiana

Dearborn Co. Sheriff's Office Announces Passing of Retired K-9 Glock

For more than 12 years, Glock served alongside his handler and became much more than a working dog. 

Local Sports Report - September 4-5, 2026

There was lots of high school sports action of the holiday weekend.

Local Sports Report - September 3, 2026

Report missing stats and scores to news@eaglecountryonline.com

Seven Earn ORVC Weekly Honors

See top performers for August 24-29

On Air

Your Hometown Radio Station playing
Willie Nelson - Always On My Mind

Dixie Chicks Wide Open Spaces 18:19
Chris Janson Done 18:16
Canaan Smith Love You Like That 18:09
Tim McGraw My Next Thirty Years 18:05