STATEHOUSE (Feb. 2, 2010) - Legislation protecting the privacy rights of Indiana handgun owners overwhelmingly passed the Senate today.

By a 45-5 vote, Senate lawmakers passed Senate Bill 195 which aims to keep private the names, addresses and other identifying information of more than 300,000 Hoosiers with a handgun license - also referred to as a conceal carry permit.

“These are private law-abiding citizens who legally carry a handgun,” said State Sen. Greg Walker, author of the legislation. “By allowing media outlets and other organization to publish the names and addresses of these legal gun owners, we are essentially treating them like they are criminals.”

Walker (R-Columbus) said part of the process to obtain a conceal carry permit requires applicants to provide their names, addresses, driver’s license numbers, dates of birth and other personal information on an application form submitted to their local law enforcement officials.  From there, local police officials conduct a background check on the individual and make a recommendation to the Indiana State Police (ISP) on whether the applicant should receive the permit. The ISP approves the recommendation, a permit is granted and the individual’s information is placed into the ISP database.

“These are all steps I agree with and should be carried out by our law enforcement agencies,” Walker said. “However, my concern is with allowing third parties the ability to request this information and possibly publish it to a Web site or another public forum.”

Walker said under his bill, federal, state and local authorities would continue to have access to the information, but the records would remain confidential. Additionally, organizations that may already have information on licensed handgun owners will be prohibited from publishing the data. 

Similar legislation passed the Indiana House of Representatives last week by a vote of 85-11.

According the National Rifle Association (NRA), Indiana would join Ohio, Kentucky and Michigan and 28 other states that protect the identities of gun permit holders. The NRA reports 12 states allow this information to be public record while the remaining 10 states do not grant concealed carry weapons permits.

Walker said Reps. Peggy Welch (D-Bloomington), Sandra Blanton (D-Orleans), Eric Koch (R-Bedford) and Linda Lawson (D-Hammond) will sponsor the bill as it now moves to the House.

Audio Clip