summary
Introduced
12/08/2025
12/08/2025
In Committee
12/08/2025
12/08/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Unlawful possession of a firearm by a child. Adds felony unlawful possession of a firearm by a child to the list of crimes for which a juvenile court shall, upon motion of the prosecuting attorney, waive jurisdiction under certain circumstances. Removes certain crimes concerning children and firearms from the list of crimes in which a juvenile court does not have jurisdiction for an alleged violation. Removes language in the unlawful carrying of a handgun statute prohibiting a person less than 18 years of age from carrying a handgun. Provides that the unlawful carrying of a handgun statute applies to a person who has been adjudicated as a delinquent child under the statute, and is at least 18 years of age but less than 23 years of age. Renames the "dangerous possession of a firearm" crime to "unlawful possession of a firearm by a child" and provides that the enhanced penalty applies if the offense was committed: (1) on or in school property; (2) within 500 feet of school property; or (3) on a school bus. Removes the reckless mens rea for unlawful possession of a firearm by a child. Makes technical changes.
AI Summary
This bill modifies several Indiana laws related to juveniles and firearms, making key changes to how young people are treated in the criminal justice system. The bill renames the crime of "dangerous possession of a firearm" to "unlawful possession of a firearm by a child" and expands the circumstances under which this offense can be considered a felony, specifically if the offense occurs on school property, within 500 feet of school property, or on a school bus. The legislation removes the "reckless" mental state from the offense, meaning a child must now knowingly or intentionally possess a firearm to be charged. The bill also modifies juvenile court jurisdiction rules, removing certain firearm-related offenses from the list of crimes that automatically prevent juvenile court handling. Additionally, the bill adjusts handgun carrying restrictions to apply to individuals who are at least 18 but less than 23 years old and have a previous delinquency adjudication related to firearms. These changes aim to provide more nuanced legal approaches to youth firearm possession while maintaining provisions to address serious offenses and protect public safety.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
First reading: referred to Committee on Corrections and Criminal Law (on 12/08/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2026/bills/senate/62/details |
| Fiscal Note #1: Introduced | https://iga.in.gov/pdf-documents/124/2026/senate/bills/SB0062/fiscal-notes/SB0062.01.INTR.FN001.pdf |
| BillText | https://iga.in.gov/pdf-documents/124/2026/senate/bills/SB0062/SB0062.01.INTR.pdf |
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