NRA's Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA) applauds Gov. Eric Holcomb for signing House Bill 1296, NRA-backed legislation that allows law-abiding gun owners to carry a firearm without a permit from the state.
“The government should not mandate that law-abiding citizens get permission before exercising their fundamental, constitutional right to self-defense," said Jason Ouimet, executive director of NRA-ILA. “We thank Gov. Holcomb, bill author Rep. Ben Smaltz, legislative leaders, and every lawmaker who supported this landmark legislation.”
Constitutional carry allows anyone who is legally allowed to possess a firearm to carry that firearm without a permit from the state. It will not affect previously issued permits to carry and allows those who still wish to obtain a permit in order to carry in states recognizing Indiana permits to do so. It also does not allow anyone prohibited under state or federal law from possessing a firearm to carry a firearm.
"By signing this bill, Gov. Holcomb has demonstrated a commitment to restoring and protecting our Second Amendment freedoms," Ouimet concluded.
Indiana is now the 24th state, including Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming, to allow law-abiding individuals to carry a concealed handgun without a government-issued permit.
