Legislation Update - - IGA 2015 - HB 1029 – “BMV Documentation Indicating a Handgun License” or Showing LTCH Status on your Indiana Driver’s License Digest Summary: https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2015/bills/house/1029# • Provides that an individual must indicate on an application for or a renewal of a drivers license, permit, or identification card whether the individual possesses a handgun license (license). • Requires the bureau of motor vehicles (bureau) to verify whether the individual has a license by contacting the superintendent of the state police department. • Requires the bureau to place a notation on the individuals drivers license, permit, or identification card that indicates that the individual possesses a license. • Makes a technical correction. While I can see the “good intentions” of this legislation, I am also reminded of the old saying that: “The road to (a bad place) is paved with good intentions.” Yes, this bill would eliminate the need to carry your separate LTCH; although this is NOT a current requirement, having been eliminated several years ago. It would make it more ‘convenient’ for officers to check your status; because it is shown; though that makes it no more ‘reliable’; unless you are also required to update your DL-ID with any change to your LTCH status. Currently, officers can call or have their dispatch call / verify the current status of an LTCH via the ISP database. Convenience is great, as is officer safety. But at what cost is this convenience? We do not have a “legal requirement” (codified) that we must inform an officer we are carrying, though it may be a good idea – in SOME situations. We are not opposed to law enforcement doing their jobs, safely; certainly it is a dangerous profession, and we have family and friends serving as LEOs. And while IMPD has issued a policy statement not to disarm citizens lawfully carrying; not all departments follow this, and some officers have been known to disarm and disassemble a lawfully carried weapon, for little reason. Also of concern are several other factors. Indiana has a privacy requirement, such that citizens LTCH status is not public information. This prevents the news media and the general populace from spreading a “who carries” list – we saw this occur in New York Last year. Why would we now want to alter that? Putting this information on a driver’s license opens up a whole arena of who can view this info, without consent or need. Information cannot be so readily shared, and yet be private. Along the same lines, think of all the times you utilize your driver’s license as simply “Proof of Identification”. Using a credit card, or buying any number of items; at the pharmacy, liquor store, bank or any other number of places. Most of us probably have filed and provided our ID as we apply for or start a new job. Employers are prohibited from asking if you own or carry a firearm, as it applies to the ‘parking lot’ provisions in the IC. With this law, they would not need to ask. I personally do not hide that I own guns, shoot or hunt; and have not worked where ownership has been an issue. But they have no need to know if I have an LTCH or carry a firearm on my own time. Similarly – we have seen reports of folks in other states (less friendly to our 2A rights) being subjected to questionable searches for having a “pro-2A” bumper sticker. Imagine being pulled over for a minor traffic infraction or a warning, providing your ID and the officer seeing that you are an LTCH holder. Some states that would automatically trigger a search, even if you are not in possession of a firearm. Let’s not forget, we are subject to “permit / license” to carry a handgun. To obtain this right (or is that privilege?) we undergo scrutiny that is at best a questionable excess of our “4th amendment” rights to searches/seizures, there being no cause or proof provided that we have committed a crime. We do this voluntarily (at the moment) to provide a positive defense against the crime of carrying a gun (which is supposed to be a protected right!?!?!?) Providing our status as an LTCH holder to all anyone who requires to see our driver’s license, when it is used as our “government issued ID” is not in keeping with any of the ideals of our republic. I will try to provide a sample letter to the committee chairman / members opposing this shortly, I the comments. (Unless someone else wants to provide an example. Thanks!) I will also try to note / update you if this is going to be considered, as we watch the committee calendars. Please LIKE / SHARE and COMMENT – so we can get the word out and prevent more slippery slope infringements to our rights with ‘good intentions’. --- BB3 Sponsor: Rep. Doug Gutwein, R, Dist.16 https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2015/legislators/legislator_doug_gutwein_992/ Committee: Roads and Transportation https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2015/committees/roads_and_transportation_1700 Committee Chairman: Rep. Edmond Soliday, R, Dist 4 https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2015/legislators/legislator_edmond_soliday_864/ (Email: [email protected])
Posted on: Wed, 07 Jan 2015 23:30:00 +0000
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