Nugent's 2 nd Amendment Legislation Signed by Governor
Lifetime license first of its kind in the nation; “Stand Your Ground” gives power back to citizens
(STATEHOUSE)— Two bills sponsored by State Senator Johnny Nugent (R-Lawrenceburg) were signed into law by Governor Mitch Daniels at a ceremony this afternoon.
House Enrolled Act 1176 improves handgun licensing procedures in Indiana . Currently, everyone with a handgun license must have their permit renewed and be fingerprinted every four years — even people who have had such a license all of their adult life. This legislation would eliminate that arbitrary practice by offering lifetime handgun licenses.
“This is such an easy and sensible improvement as opposed to the former system,” said Nugent. “To force law-abiding citizens who have had handgun licenses their entire lives to continue going through the hassle of renewal every four years is ludicrous.”
The bill also establishes the criminal history data fund and allows the renewing of licensing 180 days before expiration and application for lifetime handgun license may be filed at any time. This bill would allow the Superintendent of the Indiana State Police to establish an electronic renewal service and keep one set of fingerprints on file when this system is implemented.
HEA 1028 allows a person to protect themselves from intruders or others they feel are intending to harm them. This removes the “duty to retreat” language and gives power back to law-abiding citizens. The bill also includes language for self defense in motor vehicles.
“This bill ensures that Hoosiers can defend themselves against criminals and those who intend to use deadly force against them,” Nugent said. “This is a necessary protection for citizens who are under attack.”
Governor Daniels praised these pieces of legislation before a crowd of 2 nd Amendment supporters. The governor expressed his appreciation to Nugent and the other leaders on these bills for their dedication to protecting this important Constitutional right.
“People with handgun licenses are law-abiding Hoosiers simply exercising their 2 nd Amendment rights,” said Nugent. “If a criminal does somehow get a handgun license, authorities can revoke that license at any time.”
Joining Nugent and Daniels at the bill signing were other key legislators and Larry Pratt of Gun Owners of America , Jim and Margie Tomes of 2 nd Amendment Patriots, and many other members of that group.
Senator Nugent represents Senate District 43, which includes Dearborn , Ohio , Ripley, and Union Counties , as well as portions of Franklin and Jennings Counties . | 
