Malcolm Rivera
Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb signed into law HEA 1296, Indiana's Constitutional Carry bill, making Indiana the third state to pass such legislation in 2022. The bill allows Hoosiers who can lawfully carry a handgun to do so within the state. Governor Holcomb, however, declined to comment on whether he would sign or veto the bill before it reached his desk, and his support for the bill remains uncertain. While some praised the governor's commitment to Second Amendment freedoms, others criticized his decision, arguing that it puts Hoosiers in danger and ignores law enforcement's opposition to the bill.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Governor's name | Eric Holcomb |
| State | Indiana |
| Bill name | HEA 1296, Indiana's Constitutional Carry bill |
| Bill status | Signed into law |
| Previous stance | Declined to say whether he would sign or veto |
| Vetoed bills | Bill banning transgender athletes from participating in female sports |
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What You'll Learn
- Governor Holcomb signs Indiana's Constitutional Carry bill into law
- Governor Holcomb initially declines to comment on whether he will veto the bill
- Indiana becomes the third state to pass Constitutional Carry legislation in 2022
- House Republicans plan to override the governor's veto of a bill barring transgender girls from playing girls' sports
- Governor Holcomb vetoes a bill aiming to limit the ability of state agencies to adopt new regulations
Governor Holcomb signs Indiana's Constitutional Carry bill into law
Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb signed into law HEA 1296, Indiana's Constitutional Carry bill, making Indiana the third state to pass Constitutional Carry legislation in 2022. The bill removes the requirement for a permit to carry a handgun, although residents still have the option of obtaining one. This means that law-abiding citizens will be able to exercise their right to self-defence without government permission or delays.
Governor Holcomb's support for the bill was not initially clear. Holcomb, a Republican, had declined to say whether he would sign or veto the bill, and the original vehicle for the bill, House Bill 1077, did not pass. However, Republican lawmakers managed to insert the language into another bill, HEA 1296, which Governor Holcomb eventually signed.
The bill has been praised by supporters of the Second Amendment, who see it as a win for freedom and a landmark legislation. Jason Ouimet, executive director of the NRA's Institute for Legislative Action in Fairfax, Virginia, thanked Governor Holcomb for his commitment to "restoring and protecting our Second Amendment freedoms".
However, the bill has also faced criticism, particularly from law enforcement. The head of the Indiana State Police, Superintendent Douglas Carter, rebuked the bill, citing safety concerns for his officers. Carter added that lawmakers would not be supporting police officers by voting for the proposal. Despite this opposition, Governor Holcomb has pledged to work with the Indiana State Police to find solutions enacting HEA 1296.
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Governor Holcomb initially declines to comment on whether he will veto the bill
Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb signed into law HEA 1296, Indiana's Constitutional Carry bill, on March 22, 2022. This bill allows most Hoosiers who can lawfully carry a handgun to do so within the state without a permit. However, prior to this, Governor Holcomb had declined to comment on whether he would veto the bill or not.
Holcomb, a Republican, initially refused to say whether he would sign or veto a bill eliminating the permit requirement to carry a handgun. The original vehicle for the bill, House Bill 1077, had died, but Republican lawmakers were attempting to insert the language into another bill. Holcomb's support for the head of the Indiana State Police, who rebuked Republican lawmakers for pushing "constitutional carry" legislation, may have indicated that he would veto the bill. However, he did not explicitly state his intentions at the time.
When asked about the bill, Holcomb responded that he stood behind Superintendent Douglas Carter "110%." He agreed with Carter's passionate leadership and his care for citizens but did not comment on whether he shared Carter's opposition to the bill. Holcomb stated that he would review the bill when it reached his desk but did not commit to any specific course of action.
While Governor Holcomb's eventual signing of the bill was celebrated by some as a commitment to restoring and protecting Second Amendment freedoms, others criticized it as an attack on public safety and an ignorance of law enforcement's opposition to the bill. The bill's passage faced opposition from law enforcement officials, including the Indiana State Police, who cited safety concerns for their officers and the potential dangers to Hoosiers and communities.
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Indiana becomes the third state to pass Constitutional Carry legislation in 2022
Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb signed into law HEA 1296, Indiana's Constitutional Carry bill, on March 22, 2022. This bill allows Hoosiers who can lawfully carry a handgun to do so within the state without a permit. Indiana became the third state to pass such legislation in 2022, following in the footsteps of Vermont, which has had a similar law since its inception, and several other states that have had it for over a decade.
Governor Holcomb's decision to sign the bill was met with mixed reactions. Supporters of the bill, including the NRA's Institute for Legislative Action in Virginia, applauded the governor for his commitment to restoring and protecting Second Amendment freedoms. They argued that the bill ensures citizens' right to self-defense without government red tape or delays. On the other hand, opponents of the bill, including law enforcement officials and the Indiana chapter of Moms Demand Action, expressed concerns about public safety. They argued that permitless carry would put Hoosiers in danger and that the governor chose to ignore law enforcement's opposition to the bill.
Prior to signing the bill, Governor Holcomb had declined to comment on whether he would support or veto the legislation. He faced pressure from both sides, with Republican lawmakers pushing for "constitutional carry" legislation and the head of the Indiana State Police, Superintendent Douglas Carter, rebuking the proposal due to safety concerns for his officers. Governor Holcomb had expressed his support for Superintendent Carter but maintained that he would review the bill when it reached his desk.
The bill's passage faced some challenges along the way. Originally introduced as House Bill 1077, the proposal was later incorporated into HEA 1296 after the former bill was dropped. Despite opposition from law enforcement and concerns about its potential impact on public safety, the bill ultimately passed the Indiana Senate and House with a majority vote.
With Indiana joining the list of states with permitless carry laws, the debate around gun rights and public safety continues. While supporters celebrate the removal of government barriers to self-defense, opponents worry about the potential consequences of easing access to firearms. The impact of Indiana's new Constitutional Carry legislation remains to be seen, and the state will likely continue to be a focal point for discussions surrounding gun rights and public safety regulations.
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House Republicans plan to override the governor's veto of a bill barring transgender girls from playing girls' sports
Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb signed a bill into law in March 2022 that allows Hoosiers to carry handguns without a permit. However, he vetoed a bill that would have barred transgender girls from participating in female sports. In response, House Republicans announced plans to override the governor's veto.
The bill, known as the "Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act," seeks to amend the landmark 1972 Title IX legislation that outlawed sex-based discrimination. It would force schools to adhere to strict gender definitions "based solely on a person's reproductive biology and genetics at birth." This means that students assigned male at birth who have since transitioned genders would be ineligible for athletic competition.
The bill also has implications for federal funding for schools. Schools that refuse to comply with the bill's provisions would risk losing federal funding. This aspect of the bill has been supported by President Donald Trump, who issued an executive order on the matter.
There is opposition to the bill from Senate Democrats, who voted unanimously to block it. They view the bill as a distraction and a cynical political move. Some also argue that the bill puts kids at risk by opening the door to "government inspections" of transgender students.
The issue of transgender athletes in sports is a cultural issue that unifies Republicans. They view it as a matter of fairness and safety for girls and women in sports.
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Governor Holcomb vetoes a bill aiming to limit the ability of state agencies to adopt new regulations
On March 16, 2022, Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb vetoed a bill aiming to limit the ability of state agencies to adopt new regulations. The bill, which was passed by the Indiana Senate with a vote of 32-18 and the House by 66-30, included provisions that threatened about $150 million in broadband internet projects planned across the state. The governor's decision to veto the bill was based on his concern for the safety of his officers and the potential impact on law enforcement.
Governor Holcomb's veto of the bill highlights his commitment to balancing the interests of various stakeholders in Indiana. While the bill aimed to limit state agency powers, it also threatened important projects, such as broadband internet expansion, which could have a significant impact on the state's residents. By vetoing the bill, Governor Holcomb demonstrated his willingness to prioritize the state's projects and investments over a more hands-off approach to state agency regulations.
The governor's decision to veto the bill was not without controversy. Some lawmakers and interest groups supported the bill, and they criticized Governor Holcomb's decision. However, Governor Holcomb stood firm in his decision, citing the potential negative consequences of the bill on important state initiatives. The bill's opponents, including Governor Holcomb, believed that it was essential to maintain the state's ability to adopt new regulations when necessary to support key projects and investments.
Governor Holcomb's veto of the bill aimed to limit the ability of state agencies to adopt new regulations demonstrates his commitment to balancing the interests of various stakeholders in Indiana. By vetoing the bill, he prioritized the state's projects and investments while also acknowledging the importance of regulatory flexibility for state agencies. This decision showcases Governor Holcomb's leadership and his dedication to making decisions that consider the potential impact on Indiana's residents and communities.
Holcomb Signs Constitutional Carry: What Does It Mean?
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Frequently asked questions
No, Governor Holcomb signed Indiana's Constitutional Carry bill into law.
The Constitutional Carry bill, or HEA 1296, allows Hoosiers who can lawfully carry a handgun to do so within Indiana without a permit.
Governor Holcomb said, "As Superintendent of the Indiana State Police, I have pledged my continued commitment to Governor Holcomb to work toward solutions enacting HEA 1296."
The bill has faced opposition from some police agencies and law enforcement leaders, who believe it will put Hoosiers in danger. However, it has been supported by gun rights groups such as the NRA's Institute for Legislative Action.
