State House committee changes "permitless" bill

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. --- Indiana House of Representatives committee struck out language that would repeal a “permitless” concealed carry law on Wednesday.

In a 12-1 vote, the House public policy committee approved a revision of the “permitless” carry bill that will do the following:

1. Remove fees for lifetime permits. Currently, lifetime fees cost $125.

2. Extend short-term permits from four years to five years.

3. Make those short-term permit holders exempt from background checks during the five-year period.

Under the previous bill, authored by Republican Representative Jim Lucas, it would repeal the law that requires a person to obtain a handgun license. The “permitless” carry bill would specify that a person, who can legally, carry a handgun isn’t required to get or have a state license.

ABC 57 News reached out to Representative Tim Wesco, who helped author the revisions, his office did not respond. A South Bend woman, who wanted to remain anonymous, weighed in on the revisions.

“Licensing and registration is definitely a large point,” she said. “They need to be aware of who and who is not allowed to carry.”

The new bill is headed to the House floor where more discussion will take place. Click here to find your state representative’s contact information to give your input.