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


Events

Bridge Painting Project Planned on U.S. 50 in Aurora

The project is expected to be complete in late July.

Lawrenceburg Students Create Mural for Lawrenceburg Civic Park

Be sure to stop by Civic Park to check it out and support the incredible work of our young artists!

Dearborn County Man Sentenced 35 Years for Shaking 20-Month-Old

Following his release from prison, Sartin will serve five years on supervised probation and will be prohibited from having contact with minor children.

Local Sports Report - March 27-28, 2026

Report stats and scores to news@eaglecountryonline.com

Local Sports Report - March 26, 2026

Report stats and scores to news@eaglecountryonline.com

EC's Stenger to Play for South Team at All-Star Futures Game

The game will be held June 1 at a site to be determined.

On Air

Chelsie playing
Scotty McCreery - In Between

Ronnie Milsap There's No Gettin' Over Me 5:56
Dixie Chicks Tonight The Heartaches On Me 5:52
Darius Rucker Homegrown Honey 5:48
Morgan Wallen Wasted on You 5:45