Fairfax, Va. - 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 posses 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.
Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America's oldest civil rights and sportsmen's group. More than five million members strong, NRA continues to uphold the Second Amendment and advocates enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime. The Association remains the nation's leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the armed services. Be sure to follow the NRA on Facebook at NRA on Facebook and Twitter @NRA.