Indiana House committee debates several gun bills

An Indiana House committee spent the day debating a series of firearm regulations today.  As Indiana Public Broadcasting’s Brandon Smith reports, one measure would allow people protected by restraining orders to carry a handgun without a license.

A second bill discussed today would allow off-duty, reserve, and retired police officers carry guns on school property.  Current law bars most people from carrying a gun at schools – but current law enforcement officers are the exception.  Republican Representative Jim Lucas says retired or reserve officers can also be trusted.  But an Indiana University professor who spoke says guns in schools don’t improve safety … and school boards should get to decide for themselves.  The committee also did not vote on the bill.  It did approve legislation providing lifetime handgun licenses to law enforcement officers with at least 20 years on the job.