KLS Keeping Law Simple Legislation in plain English

Straight-ahead summaries built from the official bill text. We keep the source links front and center and leave the decision up to you.

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HB1021 • 2026

A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning criminal law and procedure.

A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning criminal law and procedure.

Children Crime Firearms
Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor
Representative Mitch Gore
Last action
2025-12-01
Official status
Introduced House Bill (H)
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The exact conditions for increasing the offense to a Level 5 felony are not detailed in the provided summary.

Firearm Safety Rules for Dependents

This bill amends Indiana's criminal law to make it a crime if someone in charge of a dependent child fails to secure a loaded firearm properly, leading to injury or death.

What This Bill Does

  • Makes it illegal for people who take care of children to leave loaded guns unsecured at home or in cars if the gun is used by the child to cause bodily injury or death.
  • Increases the punishment to a Level 5 felony under certain conditions.
  • Specifies exceptions and defenses for those accused.
  • Requires stores that sell firearms to put up signs about these new rules.

Who It Names or Affects

  • People who take care of children
  • Retailers selling guns

Terms To Know

Level 6 felony
A serious crime that can lead to jail time and fines.
Dependent
Someone, like a child, who relies on another person for care and protection.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The bill does not specify all the exceptions or defenses.
  • It is unclear how strictly these rules will be enforced.

Bill History

  1. 2025-12-01 House

    Authored by Representative Gore

  2. 2025-12-01 House

    First reading: referred to Committee on Courts and Criminal Code

Official Summary Text

A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning criminal law and procedure.
Firearm storage.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text 
A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning criminal law and procedure.

Firearm storage.

Provides that a person having the care of a dependent who recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally fails to secure a loaded firearm in the person's residence or vehicle commits neglect of a dependent, a Level 6 felony, if the dependent uses the firearm to cause bodily injury or death to any person. Enhances the offense to a Level 5 felony in particular instances. Specifies exceptions and defenses. Specifies sign requirements for retail dealers. Defines terms and makes conforming amendments.