INDIANAPOLIS -- Lawmakers stripped a bill that would have allowed Hoosiers to carry guns without a license Wednesday, instead opting for smaller incremental change on firearms regulations.

It then passed the House Public Policy Committee 12-1.

"We operate in the realm of possibility and what we passed out was possible and had broad support," said Rep. Tim Wesco, R-Osceola, author of the bill.

He acknowledged that some of his fellow caucus members have concerns about eliminating the license to carry permit in the state, a movement known as constitutional carry nationwide.

"Obviously that was not a slam dunk so we're glad to make some steps forward," Wesco said.

Law enforcement groups had come out against House Bill 1424 because it would have taken away a vetting procedure for gun safety in communities.

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