Kentucky gun owners: Here's what Indiana's new no-permit law means for you
Indiana will no longer require residents to have a license to carry a handgun, joining 21 states – including Kentucky – that allow permitless carry.
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb signed the bill into law March 21.
Here is what Kentuckians need to know about the change:
How did Indiana's gun law change?
Anyone who could legally carry a concealed handgun with a permit in Indiana now will be able to do so without one. And anyone from Indiana who is 18 years old or older can carry a handgun in public without receiving a background check, unless they had done so to purchase a handgun.
Hoosiers can still get a permit — which would be needed if they plan to travel to another state that doesn't have a reciprocity agreement with Indiana.
Gun laws: Gov. Holcomb signs bill eliminating permit requirement to carry handguns in Indiana
"It’s important to note that if a person is prohibited, under federal or state laws, from possessing a firearm before this law goes into effect, that person will still be prohibited," Holcomb said. "And if a prohibited person has a firearm, he or she can be prosecuted."
When does it go into effect?
The law, which passed the Indiana House by a 69-30 vote and the Indiana Senate by a 30-20 vote, will go into effect in July 2022.
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How does Kentucky's law compare?
Indiana's law is seemingly identical to the law Kentucky passed in 2019 eliminating the license requirement to carry a handgun.
Previously, Kentucky residents were required to get a permit by undergoing a background check, completing some gun safety training and paying a $60 fee.
Ohio and Alabama also passed permitless carry laws this legislative session. Additionally, similar bills have been introduced in at least four other states.
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There are currently 24 states with permitless carry laws — though in North Dakota, the law only applies to residents, according to the U.S. Concealed Carry Association.
Can I carry my gun from Louisville into Indiana?
Yes.
Previously, a Kentuckian would need a Kentucky permit to cross the border into Indiana with a handgun. Starting in July, though, there will be no need to get a permit to do so.
Most states bordering Kentucky also have permitless carry laws including Ohio, Missouri, Tennessee and West Virginia.
Illinois and Virginia do require permits, however.
Here is a link to all states with permitless carry laws in place.
How do Indiana police officers feel about the change?
Several law enforcement agencies expressed opposition to the measure before it passed.
Indiana State Police Superintendent Douglas Carter accused lawmakers of pandering to lobbyists and political posturing during his testimony on the bill in committee last month.
“I sure hope you choose to show deference to law enforcement professionals that understand the magnitude and the frontline effects of this legislation, rather than the possibility of getting reelected or elected the next primary," Carter said.
Carter released a statement after Holcomb signed the bill saying he will continue to encourage Hoosiers to apply for handgun permits, even if it's not required.
"I, like Governor Holcomb, feel enormous responsibility for frontline law enforcement officers," Carter said. "I will work with law enforcement leaders across our state to make necessary changes to firearms enforcement as well as identifying the best way to identify individuals who are not allowed to carry a firearm as defined by Indiana statute.”
IndyStar reporter Kaitlin Lange contributed to this report. Contact reporter Krista Johnson at kjohnson3@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Indiana changed its gun carry law. How does that impact Kentuckians?
