INDIANAPOLIS – A bill allowing those with protective orders to obtain and carry a gun without a license was passed to Gov. Eric Holcomb for a final signature Friday.
House Bill 1071, that would allow individuals to carry a gun without a license for two months, has been praised by many, but also opposed.
"It's not mandating a victim to follow anything. It's just giving them another tool in their tool box if they choose to protect themselves,” said Greg Burge of Beech Grove Firearms, who is in support of the bill.
Those looking for the bill to pass believe it could benefit future domestic violence victims, but others said it could do more harm than good.
“It's just unsafe for everyone,” said Julian Center CEO Catherine O'Connor, who recalled an incident where a victim pulled a gun only to have it turned on herself. "The abuser got the gun away from the victim, attempted to shoot her twice at close range in her head. Fortunately, the gun misfired both times. "
As the legislative session ends, only the governor will have a final say on the bill’s approval.
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