This morning (Tuesday, January 25) the Senate Committee on Corrections, Criminal and Civil Matters held a hearing on Senate Bills 94, 292, 411, and 506.  Jerry Wehner and Bill Dowden attended the meeting to express their support of the bills on behalf of the Indiana State Rifle and Pistol Association.

SB 94, consistent with federal law, would allow Indiana firearms dealers to sell to residents of any other state if the purchase is legal under federal law and any applicable state laws.

The committee voted 10 to 0 in favor of the bill.

SB 292 would expand state preemption in regulating firearms, ammunition, and firearm accessories, thus making firearms regulation uniform throughout the state as opposed to the present myriad of local ordinances and the varying fines (ranging from $1 to $2500) imposed by various cities, towns and counties.

The committee voted 10 to 0 in favor of the bill.

SB 411 was introduced as a result of some large employers circumventing the purpose of last year's parking lot bill by requiring employees who lawfully possess a firearm in their vehicle  to disclose much private information as a condition of employment.

The committee voted 10 to 0 in favor of the bill.

SB 506 would permit a person who lawfully possesses a handgun to transport it to a shooting range, a firearms instructional course, or a legal hunting activity without having a license to carry a handgun.

The committee voted 9 to 1 in favor of the bill.

These four bills now advance to the full Senate for 2nd reading.  Since the anti-gun crowd was very poorly represented at today's public committee hearing, one can assume they have a strategy to lobby individual legislators to kill any responsible gun legislation.

It is important that lawful gunowners contact their legislators by telephone, letters, e-mail, or in person to ask them to support the right to keep and bear arms.