(Indianapolis, IN) - Being able to carry a handgun without a permit is closer to becoming law in Indiana.

By a more than two to one margin, the Indiana House of Representatives passed House Bill 1077, now heading to the Indiana Senate for consideration. The bill allows anyone 18 and over to carry a handgun without a permit. Local Republican Representative Jim Pressel voted for the bill, while Democratic Representative Pat Boy voted against it. 

Law enforcement is opposed to the measure, saying it would take away a critical screening tool police use to take guns away from individuals who shouldn’t have one. The bill states that anyone with a felony conviction or dangerous mental illness would still not be allowed to have a gun. However, local law enforcement agencies fear that checks and balances are being removed as a critical avenue. 

Supporters said the right to bear arms is protected by the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. These advocates believe that requiring things like a background check to obtain a permit undermines the right of law to obey citizens to have a gun.