Indiana Moms Demand Action Chapter Opposes SB 229: Amended Bill Would Allow Guns In School Buildings When Not Being Used Exclusively For School Functions

INDIANAPOLIS, March 10, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- This morning, the Indiana chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America testified in front of members of the Indiana Senate Conference Committee in opposition of SB 229, a bill that, as passed by the House, would allow guns on school property when not being used exclusively for school functions.

"The amendments that have been added to this bill would allow loaded guns near our children in the place they should feel safest—their schools," said Shannon Watts, Indiana mother of five children and founder of Moms Demand Action.

There have been over 50 shootings at American schools since the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary. The bill, as passed by the House, is opposed by the Indiana Association of School Principals; Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents; the Indiana School Boards Association; the Indiana Urban School Association; and the Indiana State Teacher's Association.

"Indiana school officials and educators have made it clear that they do not want firearms on their properties, and neither do the mothers of Indiana," said Watts.

"SB 229 redefines school property and would allow guns inside school buildings if that building is not being used exclusively for a school function. As a result, guns would be allowed at cub scout meetings, girl scout meetings, recreational sports activities, and other non-school functions. It also would allow guns in buildings that are not exclusively used for school, like alternative schools in a mall, or a day care center in a church," said Watts. "Additionally, this bill would strip the rights of schools and the school districts to make their own policies to ban guns on their property. Finally, the bill's language regarding motor vehicles is vague and does not rule out the possibility of a bus driver bringing a gun to work."

About Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America

Much like Mothers Against Drunk Driving was created to change laws regarding drunk driving, Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America was created to build support for common-sense gun reforms. The nonpartisan grassroots movement of American mothers is demanding new and stronger solutions to lax gun laws and loopholes that jeopardize the safety of our children and families. In just one year, the organization has more than 140,000 members with a chapter in every state in the country. The group recently joined forces with Mayors Against Illegal Guns, the largest gun violence prevention organization in the country. For more information or to get involved visit www.momsdemandaction.org. Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/MomsDemandAction or on Twitter @MomsDemand.

SOURCE Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America

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