Governor Eric Holcomb has recently enacted a new law, granting permission to most statewide elected officials to carry firearms within the Statehouse premises. Additionally, this law also forbids credit card companies from rejecting purchases made at Indiana gun stores purely based on how these companies categorize a firearm purchase. This move aims to ensure the protection of elected officials and promote fair access to firearms for law-abiding citizens.
State officers were given the ability to carry on the grounds of the Indiana Statehouse through the inclusion of House Enrolled Act 1084. This provision was added during the final week of the legislative session, as the original language from a Senate bill had failed to make it through the House.
Members of the Indiana General Assembly were already permitted to carry guns at the Statehouse under state law. However, a recent legislation has expanded this right to include the state comptroller, treasurer, secretary of state, and attorney general. It should be noted that this privilege does not extend to members of the public, who are not allowed to carry firearms on the capitol complex.
Indiana Treasurer Daniel Elliott voiced his support for the inclusion of a provision allowing individuals to carry firearms at the Statehouse during a committee testimony on Senate Bill 14. Elliott emphasized that all four statewide officers, including himself, were in agreement with this particular aspect of the proposed legislation.
In 2016, the Senate passed a bill that allowed for an increased presence of guns at the Statehouse.
IndyStar reached out to the offices of all four Republican statewide elected officials to inquire about their plans to carry at the Statehouse. Here is what the respondents had to say.
Treasurer Daniel Elliott
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In a statement provided to IndyStar, Elliott expressed his gratitude for the passage and signing into law of the provision that permits him to carry a firearm at the Statehouse. During his testimony before the Senate committee in January, Elliott shared that he has been personally carrying a gun for numerous years.
In a statement to IndyStar, Elliott expressed gratitude to the General Assembly for their efforts in addressing this issue. He emphasized that our 2nd Amendment rights should extend beyond the statehouse, and commended Governor Holcomb for enacting this bill into law.
Attorney General Todd Rokita
According to a spokesperson from Rokita’s office, the attorney general has consistently advocated for the second amendment rights of all Hoosiers. However, the spokesperson clarified that Rokita does not believe it is necessary for him to personally carry a firearm for self-defense, considering the level of support he receives in the state.
Secretary of State Diego Morales
IndyStar has posed questions to Morales’s office, but they have not yet provided a response.
Comptroller Elise Nieshalla
According to a spokesperson for the state comptroller, Elise Nieshalla, the office has decided not to disclose whether she will carry a gun at the Statehouse. This decision has been made due to security concerns.
In a statement given to IndyStar, Nieshalla expressed gratitude for the opportunity that House Enrolled Act 1084 offers to state officers.
“I am grateful to the Indiana General Assembly for granting statewide elected officials the same right-to-carry privileges that they enjoy on Statehouse grounds. This measure serves as an additional means of ensuring our personal safety,” expressed Nieshalla. “Furthermore, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated men and women of the State Police who tirelessly strive to protect us each day.”