HB 1022 Summary

• Repeals Indiana's requirement to obtain a license to carry a handgun; permits persons not otherwise prohibited by law to carry handguns without a state license effective July 1, 2018.

• Creates new crime of "unlawful carrying of a handgun" as a Class A misdemeanor for prohibited persons; elevates offense to Level 4 felony if person is under 23 years old with delinquent child adjudication for unlawful firearm possession.

• Establishes optional "reciprocity license" system for Indiana residents wanting to carry firearms in other states, valid for 5 years; requires application through local law enforcement with background checks including NICS database.

• Prohibits handgun carrying by specific groups including: persons convicted of felonies, fugitives, undocumented immigrants, those with domestic violence convictions, individuals under indictment, those adjudicated dangerous or mentally defective, and persons under 23 with certain delinquent adjudications.

• Maintains existing restrictions on handgun possession in specific locations (schools, courthouses) and allows private property owners and employers to regulate firearm possession on their premises; requires law enforcement to use criminal background databases when processing applications.