Legislative staffers would be allowed to carry guns, under a bill passed by the Senate Tuesday.
Legislators are exempt from a ban on weapons at the statehouse, but everyone else, including staff, must leave their guns behind.
Sen. Brent Waltz (R-Greenwood) says he carries his gun everywhere except the statehouse. He says when then-Governor Mitch Daniels instituted the ban in 2007, he felt it would be hypocritical for him to pack his gun when his staffers couldn't.
Sen. Jim Tomes (R-Wadesville) says staffers are entitled to protection when their leaving the capital.
"Unlike legislators who have the comfort of just walking out the building and getting into their car, some of these good people have to walk two to three blocks to get to their automobile. A lot can happen," said Tomes. "We live in a violent world. It's unfortunate, but that's the real world.
The bill passed 36-13, with three Republicans joining Democrats in voting no. Sen. Greg Taylor (D-Indianapolis) warns extending gun-carrying privileges to staffers increases the odds of an accidental shooting.
"We got over 200 employees that are going to have the right to carry their firearm in here," said Taylor. "We also have law enforcement officials in this building who don't know barely, all of us."
The bill goes to the House next month.