Another Midwestern state is on the verge of passing constitutional carry!
Just as the Buckeye State General Assembly did last week, the Hoosier State General Assembly this week sent permitless carry legislation to the governor’s desk to be signed into law.
Known as House Bill 1296, the legislation would allow law-abiding citizens to carry concealed firearms without a state-issued permit.
“Hoosiers value their Second Amendment rights, yet under the current regime they are forced to ask the government for extra permission in order to exercise the fundamental right of carrying a firearm for self-defense,” said John Weber, NRA state director in Indiana.
SEE ALSO: Ohio Lawmakers Pass Constitutional Carry!
“The NRA is proud to have played a key role in getting this bill to the governor’s desk and we hope he will sign it,” Weber continued.
Gov. Eric Holcomb, a Republican, has not indicated as of yet whether he will sign or veto the bill.
But given the tailwind behind the constitutional carry movement — 21 states have passed some version of it thus far — many believe it’s likely that Gov. Holcomb follows suit.
Under current law, Indiana has a shall-issue permitting system that runs about $50 for a five-year license. The system will remain in place for those Hoosiers that want a permit for carry reciprocity with other states.
Opponents of the bill claim that it puts lives at risk. Of course, there’s no evidence to support that argument, as GunsAmerica previously reported.
SEE ALSO: Research: Constitutional Carry Does Not Result in Higher Murder or Violent Crime Rates
“Anti-self defense activists try to mislead the public by saying this legislation will allow criminals to carry — nothing could be further from the truth,” noted Weber.
“Similar bills have passed in 21 other states and there has been no resulting increase in crime. This bill simply codifies the fundamental right of all people to defend themselves wherever a self-defense situation may arise,” he concluded.
Along with expanding carry rights for responsible citizens, HB 1296 ratchets up the penalty for gun theft to a level 5 felony. Violators will face up to six years behind bars and a fine not to exceed $10,000.
As always, stay tuned for updates.
My post is awaiting moderation!
I can’t believe a conservative gun site wouldn’t let my 2 posts go through. Both were facts about which State was the first with legal carry and the 42 States with legal carry today.
Less crime in the 42 States with legal carry except in Demwit controlled cities in those States.
Florida was the very first State with legal carry in 1987. It was permit less open carry but the Karens got the State to pass concealed permit carry instead.
Good on the Hoosiers but this should be on the federal level since it’s a God given right spelled out in our constitition.
Hopefully we’ll get constitutional carry in Florida soon. FJB!