A bill authored by State Rep. Mitch Gore (D-Indianapolis) to revise the definition of “machine gun” in an effort to curb gun violence has been passed through the Indiana House of Representatives by a vote of 68-24 and has been sent to the Senate.
The bill, which has garnered support from the Indiana Fraternal Order of Police, the Indiana Crime Guns Task Force, the Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council and the Indiana Sheriffs’ Association, would move to include devices that can be attached to a semi-automatic pistol in order to make the firearm function as a fully automatic machine gun – in the definition of a machine gun. The use of these conversion devices is a growing concern throughout Indiana, where the vast majority of homicides involve a firearm.
“This legislation will make our police and our communities safer,” Gore said following the vote on the House floor. “These conversion devices allow shooters to fire off more rounds at a much faster rate, increasing the risk to innocent bystanders and police officers. By adding these devices to the definition of ‘machine gun,’ those found in unlawful possession would face up to a level 5 felony. With that deterrent in place, we’ll hopefully see a decrease in the number of fatal and non-fatal shootings in Indiana.
“As a staunch supporter of the Second Amendment, I would never author or support legislation that would harm law-abiding gun owners. This legislation is simply a way to ensure that those who wish to do harm have a tougher time getting their hands on these devices, and if found with them, face justice.
“Getting this legislation sent to the Senate is a great first step in making our communities safer, and I’m thankful to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their work in getting this across the finish line in the House. I’m hopeful my colleagues in the Senate will continue the work and get this bill to Governor Holcomb’s desk.”
