A state House committee amended and passed a bill Wednesday morning that would remove the fee for a lifetime permit to carry a handgun and extends the four-year handgun license to a five-year license.
The amendment that passed and will move forward, however, was not the original bill that was discussed. The original version of House Bill 1424 would have repealed a law that requires someone to obtain a license to carry a handgun.
During the hearing, one of the bill's authors said the committee should forget about the original bill. Rep. Timothy Wesco, R-Elkhart, instead moved to vote on an amendment.
Along with removing a lifetime permit fee and extending the four-year license to a five-year license, the amendment would make those who purchase a five-year license exempt from future background checks when purchasing a firearm. Indiana residents who initially want to purchase a license still need a background check.
After the committee heard testimonies, members voted on the amended bill. It passed 12-1 and will now make its way to the full House.
