INDIANAPOLIS, IN — Governor Eric Holcomb on Monday signed a bill into law that allows people to carry a handgun without a permit.
House Bill 1296 does away with the state’s concealed carry permit requirement.
Under the new law, possession of a handgun is still illegal for those banned from owning firearms, such as convicted felons and the mentally ill.
Indiana State Police Superintendent Doug Carter, who was among many in law enforcement who voiced opposition to the bill, is still encouraging residents to apply for and maintain a firearms permit in order to help law enforcement, and allow the permit holder reciprocity with other states.
Meantime, the Governor vetoed a bill that would have barred biological males who have transitioned to females, from playing on girls’ K-12 sports teams.
The Indiana Senate passed House Bill 1041, 32-18, while the House approved the measure by a 66-30 margin.
The legislature has a Republican supermajority and needs a simple majority in order to override the Governor’s veto.
House Bill 1041 is the second veto for the Republican Governor so far this year.
Lawmakers will return to the Statehouse on May 24 to vote on whether to override Holcomb’s vetoes.
(House Bill 1041 story by Bill Remeika)
