Senate Bill 292, the State preemption bill authored by Senator Jim Tomes, can now be found in the Indiana Code as IC35-47-11.1 through 11.7. It is a very straight forward law which says that a political jurisdiction, that is a city, town, county, etc., with some very specific exceptions, MAY NOT REGULATE firearms, ammunition, and firearms accessories. The law provides that if such a jurisdiction attempts to enforce a local regulation which is not permitted under the State law and that regulation adversely affects a citizen, the citizen can bring legal action against that party.

There is the possibility that some cities or towns might try to persuade their State legislator to carry legislation that would undercut the intent of SB 292 when the General Assembly meets again in 2012. With 38 of the 50 Senators voting for SB 292, and with a strong majority of House members carrying "A" ratings from the NRA, Hoosier gun owners should be pretty well protected from such an attempt; but strange things do happen behind closed doors. Therefore, Hoosier sportsmen should assure their elected representatives in the Assembly that we appreciate their efforts to protect the rights of law-abiding gun owners in Indiana.

One suggestion which is sometimes brought forward in testimony from someone who really would like to take away a citizen's right to "own and bear arms," but knows that such an open attempt would be fruitless, is to require a government ordained training regimen and classroom fee before a lawful citizen could purchase a firearm or obtain a license to carry. From time to time, one hears well-meaning gun owners suggest that it might be a good idea to mandate such a requirement. It is almost universal among experienced gun owners in Indiana that a novice should be instructed in gun safety and proficiency in the use of a firearm, but it should be done voluntarily and privately without government intrusion. The many fine gun clubs and licensed firearms dealers in Indiana, along with the State Rifle and Pistol Association can play a major role in assisting those who do not have a responsible family member or friend who is competent to teach them.

Encouraging to gun owners all over America is Representatives Cliff Stearns and Heath Shuler's "National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act of 2011" -- House Resolution 822. After having Indiana's Senator Dick Lugar join out-going Republican Senator Voinovich in voting with 37 Democrats in July, 2009 to kill the bill that would have recognized a State issued carry permit in all other States, it is gratifying to see 7 of our 9 U.S. Representatives listed among the 243 co-sponsors of HR 822. Those seven are Larry Bucshon, Dan Burton, Joe Donnelly, Mike Pence, Todd Rokita, Marvin Stutzman, and Todd Young. They all deserve a "thank you" from gun owners back home.