Unbelieveable.

Indiana State Representative Doug Gutwein must not want to be re-elected, come 2016.  And he’s a Republican, to boot.

In the 2015 legislative session, he’s filed HB 1029, which

Provides that an individual must indicate on an application for or a renewal of a driver’s 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 individual’s driver’s license, permit, or identification card that indicates that the individual possesses a license. Makes a technical correction.

This is wrong for a couple of reasons.

In Indiana, there is no duty to inform law enforcement that I have a weapon in the car, or that I have an LTCH.  What this bill does is preempt my right to keep that information to myself during a traffic stop.  (If the policeman asked me to step out of the car, and I were carrying, I would tell him so that I could unlimber myself in a way that kept him comfortable.  That’s just common courtesy.)

Worse, in some fascist states like Maryland, apparently the police are somehow targeting permit holders for traffic stops.  As someone who not infrequently traverses the People’s Republic of Maryland on the national Interstate System, I would be extremely concerned about this information being not only accessible via BMV records, but actually printed on my driver’s license.  When I’m forced to drive through Maryland, or through any of the fascist states, I simply don’t take a handgun.  And I certainly don’t want a Maryland cop tearing my car apart looking for one simply based on the fact that I have an LTCH back in Indiana.

Bottom line, I don’t think any LTCH holder wants this information on their driver’s license.  You’d be well advised to call or write your state rep today.

And while you’re doing that, you might want to show some support for HB 1144, which

Repeals the law that requires a person to obtain a license to carry a handgun in Indiana. Makes conforming amendments.

Constitutional carry in Indiana?  Be still, my heart.