We need solutions to Indiana’s gun violence crisis, not policies that exacerbate it. Numerous bills have been introduced this legislative session in Indiana attempting to repeal the law that requires a person to obtain a license to carry a handgun in Indiana – HB1077 is one of them. Repealing the permitting requirement is irresponsible and reckless; doing so has increased gun violence in other states that have tried it. 

Here are a few of the reasons HB 1077 makes us less safe.

• Law enforcement would no longer have the authority to deny permits to people who pose a danger to the public.
• A prohibited person may not know they are prohibited without the denial of a permit application.
• 18- to 20-year-olds whose only means to purchase handguns is through private sales will be allowed to carry those handguns without a background check ever being performed. 
• Indiana would no longer provide any education on safe handling and use of firearms; such guidance, albeit very brief, is currently provided with a handgun license. 

In the United States in 2019, firearms were the leading cause of death for American children, teens, and young adults ages one to 24. More than 3,200 children/teens (ages zero to 19) were killed by guns annually from 2015 to 2019; that’s an average of nine children/teens every day. Research shows that age restrictions spur a decline in firearm-related adolescent deaths.

With Indianapolis' record number of homicides in 2021, Hoosiers must reject the myth that guns are a common and effective tool for self-defense as proponents of this bill claim. From 2007 to 2011, only roughly one percent of people who were crime victims claimed to have used a gun to protect themselves. In fact, the presence of a gun increases the risk of a fatality.

Law enforcement testifies that Indiana’s permitting system is effective; without requiring too much time or money, the system ensures those carrying handguns in public have gone through a background check. Licensing laws promote responsible gun ownership and public safety standards when people carry concealed guns in public places.

Over 80 percent of Americans including gun owners, non-gun owners, Republicans, Democrats, and Independents agree that a person should obtain a permit before carrying a concealed gun in public. Hoosiers have a gun violence epidemic. We don’t need more unvetted people carrying concealed guns in parks, shopping malls, churches, and on city streets.

Stop legislation from continuing to go in the wrong direction.

Sign this petition. Share this petition. Say no to HB 1077. Say no to permitless carry!