Jim Banks on Gun Control

Right to responsible gun ownership is under attack

The right to responsible gun ownership has been under attack for decades. Jim is an avid sportsman who enjoys the opportunity to exercise his right to hunt and thinks that all Hoosiers who choose to do so have that right. In fact, as a State Senator, Jim Banks co-authored legislation that would add language that protects an individual's right to hunt, fish and farm to the Indiana Constitution.

Jim has authored more pro-gun legislation than any other candidate running for Indiana's Third District. He's actively identified ways to protect Hoosier gun owners' rights under Indiana law and worked hard to implement those policy ideas at the Statehouse.

Prohibit local gun laws; require statewide standard

NRA-ILA statement in support (5/6/11): In one of the most successful pro-gun legislative sessions in the Hoosier State’s recent history, the Indiana General Assembly passed and sent several pro-firearm freedom bills to the governor. The NRA's top legislative priority, the "Firearm Preemption Reform" bill, passed in the General Assembly on the final day of the 2011 legislative session. Senate Bill 292 would mandate a statewide standard for all firearm laws in Indiana ["pre-empting" local city ordinances for more firearm restrictions].

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 70-24-6 on Apr/29/11; passed Senate 40-10-0 on Apr/29/11; State Sen. Jim Banks voted YES; signed by Governor Mitch Daniels on May/10/11.

National cross-state standard for concealed carry.

Establishes a national standard for the carrying of concealed firearms (other than a machinegun or destructive device) by non-residents. Authorizes a person who has a valid permit to carry a concealed firearm in one state and who is not prohibited from carrying a firearm under federal law to carry a concealed firearm in another state:

• Notwithstanding any law of any State, a person who is not prohibited by Federal law from possessing a firearm and is carrying a valid license to carry a concealed firearm may carry in another State a concealed firearm.
• If such other State issues licenses to carry concealed firearms, the person may carry a concealed firearm in the State under the same restrictions which apply in that State.
• If such other State does not issue licenses to carry concealed firearms, the person may not carry a concealed firearm in a police station, in a courthouse, at a meeting of a governing body, in a school, at an athletic event, in an establishment licensed to dispense alcoholic beverages, or inside an airport, except to the extent expressly permitted by State law.

Opposes gun-control legislation.

The Project Vote Smart Voter Guide inferred how candidates would respond to the question, 'Guns: Do you generally support gun-control legislation?' Project Vote Smart notes, `in response to the increasing unwillingness of candidates to answer issue questions, Project Vote Smart has researched Congressional candidates` public records to determine candidates` likely responses on certain key issues. These issue positions, from the year 2016, are provided [for candidates who] refused to provide voters with positions on key issues covered by the 2016 Political Courage Test, despite repeated requests. Historically, candidates have failed to complete our test due to the advice they receive from their parties and advisors and out of fear of negative attack ads.`

Voted NO on background checks for private transfers.

H.R.8 - Bipartisan Background Checks Act: This bill establishes new background check requirements for firearm transfers between private parties (i.e., unlicensed individuals). Specifically, it prohibits a firearm transfer between private parties unless a licensed gun dealer, manufacturer, or importer first takes possession of the firearm to conduct a background check. The prohibition does not apply to gifts between spouses in good faith.

Heritage Action opinion to vote NO (Feb. 26, 2019): This legislation would require universal background checks for all firearm sales (even private). Unfortunately, universal background checks would do little to prevent firearm violence and would instead make it more difficult for law-abiding citizens to purchase, own, carry, and use a firearm. Studies show that universal background checks are largely ineffective when it comes to preventing mass shootings. In 19 of the most recent high-profile cases, the shooters bought their firearms legally and passed all the required background checks.

White House Statement (Biden`s opinion to vote YES): Gun violence is a public health crisis. Every day, gun violence--community violence, domestic violence, suicides, and mass shootings--takes American lives and forever alters many more. Last year, we saw record levels of homicides in cities throughout our country. The Federal gun background check system is a proven tool to reduce gun violence and save lives. This system, called the National Instant Criminal Background Check System, has kept millions of guns out of potentially dangerous hands. The Administration encourages closing existing loopholes in this system [such as private transfers in H.R. 8].

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 227-203-1 on 03/11/2021 (rollcall #75); introduced in Senate with 36 co-sponsors; no further Senate action during 2021.