Senate GOP Leader Expresses Doubts About Gun License Bill

Senate President Pro Tem David Long (R-Fort Wayne) says he has doubts about a measure to eliminate background checks at all gun purchases for some Indiana gun license holders.

His comments come amid renewed debate over gun regulations in the wake of the Parkland, Florida school shooting.

The legislation would change Indiana’s four-year handgun license to a five-year permit. That brings it into alignment with a federal law, meaning those permit holders would only have to undergo a background check every five years, when they renew their permits – instead of a check during each gun purchase, which is current practice.

Long says he’s not happy with that change.

“I think the status quo is more than satisfactory in the way we do permits and background checks right now,” Long says.

Long stresses he’s only speaking for himself – not the Senate Republican caucus.

“Now I know the theory is if I’ve already done it, do I have to do it for the next time I purchase a gun? I would say I don’t think it’s that intrusive,” Long says.

The bill is currently in a Senate committee.