INDIANAPOLIS — Gov. Eric Holcomb on Thursday signed a bill outlawing small devices that turn handguns or rifles into fully automatic weapons.
They are called switches, auto-sears or machine gun conversion devices and can be made cheaply on a 3d printer. A gun fitted with one of these devices can spray dozens of rounds in seconds with a single pull of the trigger.
Law enforcement officials say switches have been turning up more frequently in crimes in Indianapolis and across the state.
Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Assistant Chief Chris Bailey expressed thanks to the governor and lawmakers for passing this bill.
"There's no doubt that this is another tool for law enforcement and prosecutors throughout the state to keep Hoosiers safe," Bailey said.
The new law took effect as soon as it was signed by Holcomb.
Under it, guns modified with an auto-sear are outlawed just like other machine guns. Possessing a firearm with a switch is a level 5 felony, which carries a maximum sentence of six years in prison if convicted.
More: Law enforcement and lawmakers target 3D-printed devices that turn handguns into machine guns
Contact WRTV reporter Vic Ryckaert at victor.ryckaert@wrtv.com or on Twitter: @vicryc.
