Malcolm Rivera
On March 21, 2022, Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb signed House Bill 1296, allowing constitutional carry in Indiana and immediately eliminating the state's concealed carry permit requirement. Effective July 1, 2022, individuals in Indiana who are eligible to purchase a gun no longer need to apply for a license to carry a weapon. This has sparked a debate about gun ownership and who should be allowed to carry a handgun without a license.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of passing | 21 March 2022 |
| Name of the bill | House Bill 1296 |
| Name of the act | House Enrolled Act 1296 |
| Date of enforcement | 1 July 2022 |
| Eliminates | License requirement to carry a handgun |
| Age requirement | 18 years or older |
| Requirements | Must satisfy the definition of a "proper person" as defined in Indiana Code § 35-47-1-7 |
| Who can't be a "proper person" | A person with a conviction for resisting law enforcement in the preceding five years, conviction for domestic violence, conviction for any crime involving an inability to safely handle a handgun, etc. |
| Fee for a handgun license | $40 to $50 |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
The law's impact on gun sales in Indiana
On March 21, 2022, Governor Eric Holcomb signed House Bill 1296, allowing constitutional carry in Indiana. Effective July 1, 2022, those eligible to purchase a gun no longer need to apply for a license to carry the weapon in Indiana. This means that buying a gun in Indiana is now easier, and carrying the gun in public will be just as easy.
The new law has removed most of the qualifications previously needed to carry a handgun in public. Generally, any Indiana resident over the age of 18 may purchase a gun from a licensed dealer as long as the individual satisfies the definition of a “proper person” as defined in Indiana Code. A "proper person" is someone who has not been convicted of certain offences, such as resisting law enforcement in the preceding five years, or domestic violence (unless firearm rights were later restored by court order).
Previously, Hoosiers only had to meet ""minimum criteria" before obtaining a gun license. The former licensing process served as a ""gatekeeping" function, keeping Hoosiers in check before they bought a weapon. The removal of this process means that there is no longer a barrier to gun ownership for certain people.
The impact of this law on gun sales in Indiana is likely to be significant. With the removal of the permit requirement, it is expected that more people will purchase guns. However, it is important to note that there are still some restrictions in place. For example, Indiana law prohibits the sale or transfer of a handgun to anyone under 18, except when transferred by a parent or guardian. Additionally, it is illegal to transfer a handgun to someone who intends to use it to commit a crime, and "straw purchases" are also illegal.
While the law has made it easier for eligible individuals to purchase and carry guns in Indiana, it is important to consider the potential impact on public safety. Studies of states that have implemented similar permitless carry laws have shown an increase in violent crime. Experts predict that Indiana will see more gun violence as a result of this law, based on preliminary data from national research and state resources.
South Carolina's Constitutional Carry: What's the Law?
You may want to see also
The bill's opposition from law enforcement
On March 21, 2022, Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb signed House Bill 1296, allowing constitutional carry in Indiana and immediately eliminating the state’s concealed carry permit requirement. With the passing of the law, Indiana joined 21 other constitutional carry states. Effective July 1, 2022, those eligible to purchase a gun no longer need to apply for a license to carry the weapon in Indiana, and current handgun owners with an Indiana license to carry no longer have to take their license with them when carrying a handgun.
The bill faced fierce resistance as it worked through the legislative process, splitting the Republican Party and leading to accusations that Republican lawmakers who supported the measure were not "backing the blue." There was widespread opposition to the bill among law enforcement due to safety concerns. Officers and representatives from several police departments, the Indiana Association of Chiefs of Police, the Indiana State Fraternal Order of Police, and Indiana State Police all testified against the bill. The head of state police, appointed by Governor Holcomb, also initially opposed the bill due to safety concerns. Specifically, law enforcement officers were concerned that there would no longer be a way to quickly determine whether someone should be carrying a handgun during a traffic stop.
Despite the opposition from law enforcement, the measure easily passed a final floor vote in both chambers on the last day of the legislative session, with a 69-30 vote in the House and a 30-20 vote in the Senate. The bill's passage eliminated most of the qualifications previously needed to carry a handgun in public in Indiana. Generally, any Indiana resident over the age of 18 may purchase a gun from a licensed dealer as long as the individual satisfies the definition of a "proper person" as defined in Indiana Code. An individual who meets any of the following does not meet the "proper person" definition: conviction for resisting law enforcement in the preceding five years, conviction for an offense punishable by incarceration for more than one year, conviction for domestic violence (unless firearm rights were later restored by court order), conviction for any crime involving an inability to safely handle a handgun, or adjudication of juvenile delinquency for an offense that would have been a felony if committed by an adult if the individual is under 23 years old.
While the constitutional carry law removes the permit requirement for carrying a handgun in Indiana, it is important to note that there are still restrictions on where guns can be carried. For example, privately owned businesses can prohibit patrons and visitors from carrying firearms on their property, and guns are not allowed in buildings with courtrooms. Additionally, the law does not apply to all types of guns; it only covers handguns and not rifles or long guns.
South Carolina's Constitutional Carry Law: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
The bill's impact on Indiana's gun laws
On March 21, 2022, Governor Eric Holcomb signed House Bill 1296, allowing constitutional carry in Indiana and immediately eliminating the state’s concealed carry permit requirement. With this, Indiana joined 21 other constitutional carry states. Effective July 1, 2022, individuals eligible to purchase a gun no longer needed to apply for a license to carry the weapon. However, it is important to note that there are still restrictions on where one can carry their gun.
Additionally, the new law prevents administrators or officers from charging a fee for a gun license. Previously, the fee for a handgun license ranged from $40 to $50. While a license is no longer required for handgun ownership, it is still advisable to obtain one as it ensures an individual is permitted to purchase and possess a handgun. It is worth noting that the constitutional carry law only applies to handguns and not rifles or long guns.
The bill also has implications for gun safety and handling. For example, House Bill 1597, proposed in 2025, offers a tax credit for safe gun storage expenses. On the other hand, House Bill 1653, also proposed in 2025, seeks to repeal parts of the law allowing the confiscation of guns from dangerous individuals and the compilation of related statistics.
Furthermore, the bill impacts the process of carrying a firearm across state lines. The safe passage law offers protection for individuals travelling to other permitless carry states who must pass through non-carry states. To be protected under the Lawful Interstate Transportation of Firearms Act, certain requirements must be met, including keeping the firearm unloaded and locked, with ammunition stored separately.
While the bill has made it easier to purchase and carry a gun in Indiana, there are still restrictions in place. Individuals with felony convictions, restraining orders, or serious mental illnesses are prohibited from carrying a firearm without a permit. Additionally, background checks are still required when purchasing a handgun from a Federal Firearms License dealer.
Wisconsin's Constitutional Carry: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The bill's impact on carrying handguns in public
On March 21, 2022, Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb signed House Bill 1296, allowing constitutional carry in the state and immediately eliminating the requirement for a concealed carry permit. This change in law means that, as of July 1, 2022, individuals who are eligible to purchase a gun in Indiana no longer need to apply for a license to carry a handgun in public.
Prior to the passage of the bill, Indiana residents were required to obtain a handgun license, which involved paying a fee ranging from $40 to $50, depending on the term of the license. Now, individuals who are eligible to own a gun in Indiana are automatically eligible for constitutional carry privileges, without the need for a permit. This means that carrying a handgun in public in Indiana has become significantly easier, as most of the qualifications that were previously needed have been removed.
Despite the removal of the permit requirement, there are still some restrictions in place regarding who can purchase and carry a gun. To be eligible to purchase a gun in Indiana, individuals must be 18 years or older and meet the definition of a "proper person" as outlined in Indiana Code § 35-47-1-7. This means that individuals with certain convictions, such as domestic violence or an offense involving the unsafe handling of a handgun, would not be considered "proper persons" and would therefore be prohibited from purchasing and carrying a handgun.
Additionally, it is important to note that the constitutional carry law only applies to handguns and not to other types of guns, such as rifles or long guns. Furthermore, when transporting a gun across state lines, individuals must comply with federal law and the laws of the state they are visiting. Indiana has reciprocity agreements with some states, meaning they honor each other's handgun permits. However, for states without reciprocity, individuals risk being charged with a crime if they carry a handgun without the required permit.
The impact of this bill on public safety has been a topic of discussion among law enforcement agencies, with some expressing concern about the removal of the permitting system. However, others believe that the bill will not increase the number of people illegally carrying handguns and may even enable more law-abiding citizens to defend themselves.
How the Northwest Ordinance Influenced the US Constitution
You may want to see also
The bill's impact on Indiana's reciprocity agreements with other states
On March 21, 2022, Governor Eric Holcomb signed House Bill 1296, allowing constitutional carry in Indiana and immediately eliminating the state’s concealed carry permit requirement. With the passing of the law, Indiana joined 21 other constitutional carry states. Effective July 1, 2022, those eligible to purchase a gun no longer need to apply for a license to carry the weapon in Indiana.
Indiana is a shall-issue, permitless carry state that allows both residents and non-residents to conceal or open carry with or without a CCW license. The state does offer concealed carry permits to residents and some non-residents for reciprocity purposes. Indiana honors concealed carry permits from every U.S. state. However, regardless of their CCL status, non-residents may conceal carry under the Indiana constitutional carry law, as long as they are legally eligible to do so. Non-resident concealed carry permits are issued to those with a regular place of business or employment in the state.
Indiana offers resident and non-resident licenses. If indicated with “Resident only”, that state only honors Indiana resident licenses and not those issued to non-residents. Permitless carry includes constitutional carry states as well as states where an individual must meet certain qualifications to legally carry. Each state determines the requirements and any limitations on the carry of firearms.
The passage of the bill is expected to have a budgetary impact on police departments across the state, which are predicted to lose several million dollars a year in funding from concealed carry license fees. However, Republicans have taken steps to redirect funds to law enforcement agencies to make up the difference. Indiana would also not get rid of its concealed carry license. People who want one to legally carry in states with reciprocity agreements with Indiana could still obtain one.
The Legislative Branch: How Lawmakers Get Things Done
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb signed House Bill 1296, allowing constitutional carry in Indiana, on March 21, 2022.
The law eliminates the requirement of a license to carry a handgun in Indiana.
The law came into effect on July 1, 2022.
Only those who are eligible to purchase a gun under the law can take advantage of this law. To be eligible to purchase a gun in Indiana, one must be 18 years or older and not a felon, among other restrictions.
No, the constitutional carry law only applies to handguns and not rifles or long guns.
![Byrna SD [Self Defense] Kinetic Launcher Ultimate Bundle - Non Lethal Kinetic Projectile Launcher, Home & Personal Defense | Proudly Assembled in The USA](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81wu-phEIPL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
