A proposal put fourth by a Jackson County lawmaker meant to keep guns out of the hands of illegal aliens has been signed into law. Gov. Eric Holcomb recently signed the law, sponsored by Republican State Rep. Jim Lucas of Seymour, that will make the possession of a firearm by an illegal immigrant a Level 6 felony.

Senate Enrolled Act 344 establishes that a person who is unlawfully in the United States and knowingly or intentionally possesses a firearm will be convicted of a Level 6 felony.

“This law allows prosecutors to charge these individuals with this felony,” Lucas said. “I believe if they are unwilling to take the necessary steps to become a citizen, then they may also be unwilling to follow laws associated with being a responsible gun owner.”

A Level 6 felony can carry a sentence of six-months to two-and-a-half years in prison, along with a fine of up to $10,000.

The new law is effective immediately.