A bill that could give Indiana’s National Guard added policing powers when called upon by the governor passed out of the House on Wednesday. It would allow the military police force of the Indiana National Guard the power to make arrests, conduct searches and seizures of a person or their property, carry a firearm and exercise other policing powers under Indiana law. This change could affect around 500 military police currently in the Indiana National Guard, who would also be required to undergo additional training on specific Indiana law enforcement policies and code. Indiana law already gives the governor broad power to activate the National Guard for any purpose they deem necessary. Rep. Matt Lehman (R-Berne) said that is why he believes this change is needed so Indiana’s National Guard isn’t caught in a similar circumstance.