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

Indiana Secretary of State Launches Voter Registration and Poll Worker Recruitment Initiative

Voter registration drives on high school campuses will provide students with accurate, up-to-date election information.

Luke Schwegman Mental & Behavioral Wellness Fund Established

The fund is administered by the Ripley County Community Foundation.

Jennings County Woman Arrested for Battery on a Child

The investigation started in August 2025.

Former East Central Star Named NE10 Championship Most Outstanding Player

Hope Fox and the Southern Connecticut State Owls are a No. 1 seed heading into the DII Tourney.

SEI Hoops Stars Earn HBCA All-District Honors

Senior All-District players will be on the ballot for the All-Star Game in April.

On Air

Eagle Country 99.3 playing
Chris Stapleton - Millionaire

Holly Dunn You Really Had Me Going 10:19
Jason Aldean Let Your Boys Be Country 10:16
Johnny Duncan and Janie Fricke Come a Little Bit Closer 10:13
Zac Brown Band Loving You Easy 10:07