UPDATE 2/19
Two significant gun-related bills are nearing completion in the Indiana legislature. Please plan to thank your representatives and senators when we tell you that these bills have been signed to become law. A link to your legislators and current legislation is at www.in.gov/legislative/index.htm.

On the Senate floor yesterday, HB 1068 passed on 3rd reading by a vote of 48 to 0. It had already passed the House on a 85 to 11 vote on January 26. Out of 150 legislators, 133 agreed that the personal, confidential information of applicants for a license to carry should not be spread across the front pages of newspapers. Thanks to Representatives Murphy (R) and Peggy Welch (D) for their introduction of legislation which will protect the privacy of honest citizens.

Earlier in yesterday's Senate session, Senator Johnny Nugent presented Representative Bob Bischoff's HB 1065 on 2nd reading. Senators Nugent and Steele were successful in defeating an amendment filed by Minority Leader Senator Vi Simpson which would have restored the exemption for companies which would go through a relatively simple process of filing a security plan with Homeland Security. They defeated her amendment by a vote of 33 to 15. On significant votes on this bill, the combined total of both houses has been 109 ayes to 36 nayes. HB 1065 will be on the Senate calendar for 3rd reading Monday afternoon, February 22; the session is scheduled to convene at 1:30 P.M.

Although 1068 is better known for its protection of the confidential information of applicants, it also has a provision allowing for a renewal application up to 365 days prior to expiration. And 1065 also contains what is often called the "Katrina" protection, which would prevent local authorities from confiscating lawfully possessed firearms during a declared emergency.