Groundbreakings and ribbon-cuttings rank high on every public official’s list of favorite things to do – public testament to their job-creation efforts.So consider it an act of political courage for Gov.Legislature on target, gun-rights group says
At least one organization is pleased with the Indiana General Assembly’s performance so far. The NRA Institute for Legislative Action declares the 2013 session is “off to a great start with multiple pro-gun bills.”
Those bills include House Bill 1473, authorizing a gun owner to keep a firearm in a locked trunk, glove box or simply stored “out of plain sight” in a vehicle on school property.
The bill has been referred to the House Public Policy Committee.
HB 1563 lifts the prohibition on the use of silencers while hunting.
The legislation has passed out of the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Then there’s Senate Bill 97, which would prohibit a state agency from regulating the possession or transportation of firearms, ammunition or firearm accessories on property owned or leased by the state.
Those agencies would include universities, which is why it’s known as the “guns on campus” bill.
Leaders of state universities stand in opposition.
Sen. Jim Banks, R-Columbia City, is co-author of the bill. Asked by The Journal Gazette editorial board whether he would support lifting a ban on guns at the Statehouse, Banks said, “I don’t know.”
Senate President Pro Tem David Long has wisely consigned the bill to the rules committee, where it’s likely to die – much to the NRA’s dismay.
