An Indiana lawmaker has drafted a bill to license journalists

Indiana state Rep Jim Lucas (R-Seymour) has drafted a bill that would require professional journalists to be licensed by state police. State Rep Lucas had the measure drawn up earlier in 2017 and said he may file it to drive home a point about his signature issue — gun rights. “If you’re okay licensing my second amendment right, what’s wrong with licensing your first amendment right?” he said. His proposal would require professional journalists to submit an application to the Indiana State Police. Journalists would be fingerprinted as part of the process and would have to pay a $75 fee for a lifetime license. Those with felony or domestic battery convictions would be prohibited from getting a license.