Indiana Gun Laws

Effective July 1, 2022, Indiana adopted permitless carry by enacting IC 35-47-2-1.5. Adults 18 and older who are not one of the enumerated prohibited persons may knowingly or intentionally carry a handgun without a license. The Indiana Attorney General's Official Opinion 2024-1 quotes the controlling prohibition language directly.

"In Indiana, a person who has been convicted of a federal or state offense punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year may not knowingly or intentionally carry a handgun. Ind. Code § 35-47-2-1.5(b)(1)."

IC 35-47-2-1.5(b) ag

Indiana State Police's official messaging on permitless carry (effective July 1, 2022) enumerates the prohibited-person categories under IC 35-47-2-1.5: a person convicted of an offense punishable by more than one year; a person convicted of domestic violence, domestic battery, or criminal stalking (with rights not restored); a person under a protective order under IC 34-26-5; a fugitive; a person under indictment; a person adjudicated dangerous under IC 35-47-14-6; a person adjudicated mentally defective or committed to a mental institution; a person dishonorably discharged; a person who renounced U.S. citizenship; a person under 18 (unless authorized under IC 35-47-10); a person under 23 with a delinquency adjudication for an act described in IC 35-47-4-5; and aliens.

"On July 1, 2022, the State of Indiana will no longer require a handgun permit to legally carry, conceal or transport a handgun within the state. This law DOES NOT allow everyone to carry a handgun as Indiana law contains certain criteria which must be met for a person to legally carry within the state. A person MUST NOT be a PROHIBITED PERSON as defined by IC 35-47-2-1.5."

IC 35-47-2-1.5 (prohibited person list) — ISP Permitless Carry Messaging ag

House Enrolled Act 1296 (2022), signed by Governor Eric Holcomb on March 21, 2022 and assigned as Public Law 175-2022, repealed the requirement that a person obtain a state license to carry a handgun. The act added IC 35-47-2-1.5 (a new prohibited-person framework for unlawful carrying) and preserved the existing optional License to Carry a Handgun. The act took effect July 1, 2022.

"House Bill 1296 — Firearms. Repeals the law that requires a person to obtain a license to carry a handgun in Indiana. Specifies that certain persons are not entitled to carry a handgun in Indiana."

HEA 1296 (2022) / Public Law 175-2022 statute

IC 34-26-5 is the Indiana Civil Protection Order Act. A person subject to a protective order issued under this chapter is one of the prohibited persons enumerated in IC 35-47-2-1.5(b) who may not carry a handgun. The chapter authorizes courts to issue orders for protection against family or household members who commit domestic or family violence, and against persons who have committed stalking under IC 35-45-10-5 or a sex offense under IC 35-42-4. Every order for protection must include statutorily required boldface language warning that, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 922(g), it is a federal violation for the respondent to purchase, receive, or possess a firearm while subject to the order.

"A person who is or has been a victim of domestic or family violence may file a petition for an order for protection against a: (1) family or household member who commits an act of domestic or family violence; or (2) person who has committed stalking under IC 35-45-10-5 or a sex offense under IC 35-42-4 against the petitioner."

IC 34-26-5 (Indiana Civil Protection Order Act) statute

IC 35-47-4-5 defines 'serious violent felon' and the underlying serious violent felonies referenced by IC 35-47-2-1.5 as a basis for prohibiting persons under 23 (with a delinquency adjudication for such an act) from carrying a handgun. The enumerated serious violent felonies include murder, voluntary manslaughter, reckless homicide, battery, aggravated battery, kidnapping, criminal confinement, rape, child molesting, sexual battery, robbery, carjacking, arson, burglary, escape, criminal gang intimidation, stalking, incest, and dealing in certain controlled substances. A serious violent felon who knowingly or intentionally possesses a firearm commits a Level 4 felony.

"A serious violent felon who knowingly or intentionally possesses a firearm commits unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon, a Level 4 felony."

IC 35-47-4-5 (Unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon) statute

Indiana's optional License to Carry a Handgun (LTCH) is administered by the Indiana State Police Superintendent. The application is filed with the chief of police of the applicant's municipality, or the county sheriff if the applicant resides outside a municipality. The Superintendent shall issue the license if the applicant has a proper reason, is of good character and reputation, is a proper person under IC 35-47-1-7, and is a U.S. citizen or lawfully present. The license is shall-issue: the Superintendent may not deny a license because required information is unavailable.

"If it appears to the superintendent that the applicant: (1) has a proper reason for carrying a handgun; (2) is of good character and reputation; (3) is a proper person to be licensed; and (4) is: (A) a citizen of the United States; or (B) not a citizen of the United States but is allowed to carry a firearm in the United States under federal law; the superintendent shall issue to the applicant a qualified or an unlimited license to carry any handgun lawfully possessed by the applicant."

IC 35-47-2-3 (License to Carry Handgun application) statute

The LTCH is issued in either a 5-year or lifetime form, and both may be held concurrently. The Indiana State Police confirm both the 5-year license (fee-exempt effective July 1, 2020) and the lifetime license (fee-exempt effective July 1, 2021) are now free. A valid LTCH issued within the past 5 years also serves as a NICS check alternative for firearm purchases.

"Effective July 1, 2021 the lifetime license to carry a handgun (LTCH) will become fee exempt, per IC 35-47-2-4."

IC 35-47-2-4 (LTCH license types and fees) / Indiana State Police Firearms Licensing ag

Indiana's LTCH may not be issued to any person who has been convicted of a felony; whose LTCH has been suspended (unless reinstated); who is under 18; who is under 23 with a delinquency adjudication for an act that would be a felony if committed by an adult; or who has been arrested for certain Level 1-4 felonies if a court has found probable cause. There is no statutory training-hours requirement for the LTCH.

"A license to carry a handgun shall not be issued to any person who: (1) has been convicted of a felony; (2) has had a license to carry a handgun suspended, unless the person's license has been reinstated; (3) is under eighteen (18) years of age; (4) is under twenty-three (23) years of age if the person has been adjudicated a delinquent child for an act that would be a felony if committed by an adult."

IC 35-47-2-3(g) (LTCH disqualifying categories) statute

Indiana's 'proper person' definition (referenced in IC 35-47-2-3 as a license-issuance prerequisite) sets out 13 disqualifying categories: convictions for resisting law enforcement (within 5 years), any crime punishable by more than one year, a crime of domestic violence (unless restored under IC 35-47-4-7), being subject to a no-firearm court order, being a documented alcohol or drug abuser, having documented evidence of a propensity for violent or emotionally unstable conduct, making a false statement on the application, conviction for a crime involving inability to safely handle a handgun, conviction for violating Article 47 within 5 years of application, certain juvenile delinquency adjudications (under 23), involuntary commitment to a mental institution, a 90-day or regular mental commitment under IC 12-26-6 or IC 12-26-7, and being found mentally incompetent.

"'Proper person' means a person who: (1) does not have a conviction for resisting law enforcement under IC 35-44.1-3-1 within five (5) years before the person applies for a license or permit under this chapter; (2) does not have a conviction for a crime for which the person could have been sentenced for more than one (1) year; (3) does not have a conviction for a crime of domestic violence (as defined in IC 35-31.5-2-78), unless a court has restored the person's right to possess a firearm under IC 35-47-4-7."

IC 35-47-1-7 ('proper person' definition) statute

Indiana does not distinguish between open and concealed carry of a handgun under the permitless framework. A person who meets the IC 35-47-2-1.5 'not a prohibited person' criteria may carry a handgun openly or concealed without a license.

"On July 1, 2022, the State of Indiana will no longer require a handgun permit to legally carry, conceal or transport a handgun within the state."

IC 35-47-2-1.5 ag

Indiana's permitless-carry regime (effective July 1, 2022) means any person who is not a prohibited person under IC 35-47-2-1.5 may carry a loaded handgun in a motor vehicle — glove box, center console, on the person, or trunk — without a license. The chapter's existing vehicle exception also permits carrying an unloaded handgun secured in a case within a vehicle owned or controlled by the person, even outside the permitless framework.

"a person may carry a handgun without being licensed under this chapter to carry a handgun if: ... (3) the person carries the handgun in a vehicle that is owned, leased, rented, or otherwise legally controlled by the person, if the handgun is: (A) unloaded; (B) not readily accessible; and (C) secured in a case."

IC 35-47-2-1(b) (vehicle carry exception) / IC 35-47-2-1.5 (post-2022 permitless framework) statute

Indiana's 2010 guns-in-trunks statute (Public Law 90-2010) prohibits any person — public or private employer — from adopting or enforcing a policy that prohibits an employee, including a contract employee, from possessing a firearm or ammunition locked in the trunk, kept in the glove compartment of the employee's locked vehicle, or stored out of plain sight in the employee's locked vehicle. The statute applies only to legally possessed firearms and contains carve-outs for school property, child-care facilities, penal facilities, postsecondary educational institutions, domestic-violence shelters, CFATS/NRC-regulated chemical/nuclear sites, and certain public-utility property. Unlike many states' versions, Indiana's protection covers any employee who may legally possess the firearm — not only permit holders.

"Notwithstanding any other law and except as provided in subsection (b), a person may not adopt or enforce an ordinance, a resolution, a policy, or a rule that: (1) prohibits; or (2) has the effect of prohibiting; an employee of the person, including a contract employee, from possessing a firearm or ammunition that is locked in the trunk of the employee's vehicle, kept in the glove compartment of the employee's locked vehicle, or stored out of plain sight in the employee's locked vehicle."

IC 34-28-7-2 statute

Indiana statute recognizes any handgun license issued by another state or foreign country, but only while the holder is not a resident of Indiana. There is no curated state-specific list — Indiana honors all out-of-state non-resident licenses according to their terms. The Indiana State Police do not publish or maintain a list of which states honor the Indiana LTCH; the official FAQ directs travelers to verify with each destination state.

"Licenses to carry handguns, issued by other states or foreign countries, will be recognized according to the terms thereof but only while the holders are not residents of Indiana."

IC 35-47-2-21(b) ag

Indiana codifies a castle doctrine that extends to the dwelling, curtilage, and occupied motor vehicle. A person is justified in using reasonable force, including deadly force, with no duty to retreat, if the person reasonably believes the force is necessary to prevent or terminate another person's unlawful entry of or attack on the person's dwelling, curtilage, or occupied motor vehicle.

"A person: (1) is justified in using reasonable force, including deadly force, against any other person; and (2) does not have a duty to retreat; if the person reasonably believes that the force is necessary to prevent or terminate the other person's unlawful entry of or attack on the person's dwelling, curtilage, or occupied motor vehicle."

IC 35-41-3-2(d) statute

Indiana is a stand-your-ground state. A person is justified in using reasonable force against another person to protect the person or a third person from imminent unlawful force, and is justified in using deadly force with no duty to retreat if the person reasonably believes that force is necessary to prevent serious bodily injury or the commission of a forcible felony.

"A person is justified in using reasonable force against any other person to protect the person or a third person from what the person reasonably believes to be the imminent use of unlawful force. However, a person: (1) is justified in using deadly force; and (2) does not have a duty to retreat; if the person reasonably believes that that force is necessary to prevent serious bodily injury to the person or a third person or the commission of a forcible felony."

IC 35-41-3-2(c) statute

Indiana law does not impose a general duty to proactively inform a law enforcement officer that you are armed during a traffic stop or other encounter. LTCH holders must produce the license on demand if the officer requests it, but there is no statutory affirmative-disclosure requirement and no comparable rule for permitless carriers.

"Indiana Firearms Licensing"

Indiana — no duty-to-disclose statute ag

Knowingly or intentionally possessing a firearm in or on school property or on a school bus is a Level 6 felony. It is a defense if the person may legally possess the firearm and the firearm is locked in the trunk, kept in the glove compartment of the locked vehicle, or stored out of plain sight in the locked vehicle. Leaving the firearm in plain view in a vehicle parked in a school lot is a separate Class A misdemeanor.

"A person who knowingly or intentionally possesses a firearm: (1) in or on school property; or (2) on a school bus; commits a Level 6 felony."

IC 35-47-9-2 (school property) statute

A person who knowingly or intentionally enters an area of an airport to which access is controlled by inspection of persons and property while possessing a firearm, explosive, or any other deadly weapon — or who has access to property that contains one — commits a Class A misdemeanor. Boarding a commercial or charter aircraft while in possession is a Level 5 felony (Level 4 if intended to disrupt the flight or harm a person).

"A person who knowingly or intentionally enters an area of an airport to which access is controlled by the inspection of persons and property while the person: (1) possesses: (A) a firearm; (B) an explosive; or (C) any other deadly weapon... commits a Class A misdemeanor."

IC 35-47-6-1.3 (airport secure area) statute

Indiana's preemption statute authorizes localities to prohibit firearms in any building that contains the courtroom of a circuit, superior, city, town, or small claims court — except in portions occupied by residential tenants or private businesses. A locality may also prohibit firearms in its other owned/administered buildings only if all public entrances are staffed by trained law enforcement officers with metal-detection screening of every person and bag, and an LTCH holder must still be permitted in non-courtroom buildings. Display of a firearm at a public meeting may be restricted.

"The enactment or enforcement of a provision prohibiting or restricting the possession of a firearm in any building that contains the courtroom of a circuit, superior, city, town, or small claims court. However, if a portion of the building is occupied by a residential tenant or private business, any provision restricting or prohibiting the possession of a firearm does not apply to the portion of the building that is occupied by the residential tenant or private business."

IC 35-47-11.1-4(5) (courthouse) / IC 35-47-11.1-4(13) (other secured government buildings) statute

Indiana law expressly preserves the right of any owner, lessor, renter, or other person who legally controls private property to prohibit or regulate firearm possession on that property. There is no statewide statutory signage standard, so a 'no firearms' notice from a private property owner is enforceable through trespass principles rather than a separate firearms-specific offense.

"This section may be not construed: (1) to prohibit a person who owns, leases, rents, or otherwise legally controls private property from regulating or prohibiting the possession of firearms on the private property."

IC 35-47-2-1(d)(1) (private property) statute

Indiana does not require background checks for private firearm sales between unlicensed Indiana residents. Federally licensed dealers must run a NICS check through the FBI for all transfers. A valid Indiana LTCH issued within the past five years qualifies as a NICS alternative under federal law.

"The Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act ... requires that background checks be conducted on individuals before a firearm may be purchased from a federally licensed dealer."

18 U.S.C. § 922(t) / Indiana — no universal background check statute atf

Federal law requires that handguns be purchased from a federally licensed dealer only by buyers 21 or older, while long guns may be purchased from an FFL at 18. Indiana does not impose an additional state-level purchase-age beyond federal law. Private in-state transfers between unlicensed Indiana residents are not bound by these FFL minimums; however, IC 35-47-2-1.5 separately bars persons under 18 from carrying a handgun absent the IC 35-47-10 exceptions.

"A licensee may not sell a handgun to anyone under the age of 21. A licensee may not sell a long gun to anyone under the age of 18."

18 U.S.C. § 922(b)(1) (federal) atf

IC 35-47-10 establishes the exceptions that allow a child (under 18) to lawfully possess a firearm — these are the same exceptions referenced by IC 35-47-2-1.5 in barring persons under 18 from carrying a handgun. A child may possess a firearm while attending a hunter or firearms safety course, while target shooting at an established range under a qualified instructor or supervising adult, during an organized firearms competition or performance, while hunting or trapping under a valid IC 14-22 license, while traveling unloaded to or from such an activity, or while on real property controlled by — or at the residence of — the child's parent, family member, or legal guardian with permission to possess the firearm. Outside these exceptions, a child who possesses a firearm commits dangerous possession of a firearm, a Class A misdemeanor (Level 5 felony on prior conviction).

"this chapter does not apply to the following: (1) A child who is attending a hunters safety course or a firearms safety course or an adult who is supervising the child during the course. (2) A child engaging in practice in using a firearm for target shooting at an established range... (4) A child who is hunting or trapping under a valid license issued to the child under IC 14-22. (5) A child who is traveling with an unloaded firearm to or from an activity described in this section. (6) A child who: (A) is on real property that is under the control of the child's parent, an adult family member of the child, or the child's legal guardian; and (B) has permission from the child's parent or legal guardian to possess a firearm."

IC 35-47-10 (Children and Firearms) statute

Indiana does not require firearm registration. The state preemption statute expressly bars political subdivisions from regulating 'registration' of firearms, ammunition, or accessories, making any local registry ordinance void as a matter of state law.

"a political subdivision may not regulate: (1) firearms, ammunition, and firearm accessories; (2) the ownership, possession, carrying, transportation, registration, transfer, and storage of firearms, ammunition, and firearm accessories."

IC 35-47-11.1-2 (preemption of registration) / ISP firearms licensing statute

Indiana's 'Jake Laird Law' (IC 35-47-14, enacted in 2005 by Public Law 1-2006, named for an Indianapolis officer killed in 2004) authorizes a circuit or superior court to issue a warrant to seize a firearm from an individual who is 'dangerous,' and also authorizes warrantless seizure under exigent circumstances followed by a probable-cause review. After seizure, a hearing must be held within 14 days at which the state must prove dangerousness by clear and convincing evidence. Only a law enforcement officer may initiate the process — there is no family-member petition pathway. Indiana was the first U.S. state to enact a dangerous-person firearm-seizure law of this kind.

"For the purposes of this chapter, an individual is 'dangerous' if: (1) the individual presents an imminent risk of personal injury to the individual or to another individual; or (2) the individual may present a risk of personal injury to the individual or to another individual in the future and the individual: (A) has a mental illness (as defined in IC 12-7-2-130) that may be controlled by medication, and has not demonstrated a pattern of voluntarily and consistently taking the individual's medication while not under supervision; or (B) is the subject of documented evidence that would give rise to a reasonable belief that the individual has a propensity for violent or emotionally unstable conduct."

IC 35-47-14 (Jake Laird Law) statute

At the post-seizure hearing under IC 35-47-14-5, the state bears the burden of proving all material facts by clear and convincing evidence. If the court finds the individual is dangerous, it may order continued retention of the firearm and shall suspend any LTCH the individual holds. The individual may petition for return of the firearm after 180 days, and the state must again prove dangerousness. After five years from the first retention hearing, the court may order disposal of the firearm under IC 35-47-3.

"In a hearing conducted under section 5 of this chapter, the state has the burden of proving all material facts by clear and convincing evidence."

IC 35-47-14-6 (burden of proof) statute

IC 12-7-2-130 supplies the statutory definition of 'mental illness' that IC 35-47-14-1(a)(2)(A) incorporates by cross-reference for determining whether an individual is 'dangerous' under the Jake Laird Law. For purposes of IC 12-23-5, IC 12-24, and IC 12-26, mental illness means a psychiatric disorder that substantially disturbs an individual's thinking, feeling, or behavior and impairs the individual's ability to function — and the term includes mental retardation, alcoholism, and addiction to narcotics or dangerous drugs.

"'Mental illness' means the following: (1) For purposes of IC 12-23-5, IC 12-24, and IC 12-26, a psychiatric disorder that: (A) substantially disturbs an individual's thinking, feeling, or behavior; and (B) impairs the individual's ability to function. The term includes mental retardation, alcoholism, and addiction to narcotics or dangerous drugs."

IC 12-7-2-130 ('Mental illness' definition) statute

IC 35-47-14-5 requires the court to conduct the post-seizure hearing referenced by IC 35-47-14-6 not later than 14 days after a return is filed under section 4 (after warrant service) or a written statement is submitted under section 3 (warrantless exigent seizure). The hearing determines whether the seized firearm should be returned to the individual or retained by the law enforcement agency. The court must inform both the prosecuting attorney and the individual from whom the firearm was seized of the date, time, and location, and may conduct the hearing at any suitable place not likely to have a harmful effect on the individual's health or well-being.

"Not later than fourteen (14) days after a return is filed under section 4 of this chapter or a written statement is submitted under section 3 of this chapter, the court shall conduct a hearing to determine whether the seized firearm should be: (1) returned to the individual from whom the firearm was seized; or (2) retained by the law enforcement agency having custody of the firearm."

IC 35-47-14-5 (post-seizure hearing within 14 days) statute

IC 35-47-3 is the chapter governing disposal of confiscated weapons referenced by IC 35-47-14-9 — the section that authorizes a court, at least five years after the first retention hearing under the Jake Laird Law, to order the law enforcement agency to dispose of the firearm 'in accordance with IC 35-47-3.' The chapter requires that within 120 days of receipt the receiving law enforcement agency dispose of firearms by public sale, sale to a licensed firearms dealer, sale or transfer to another law enforcement agency, release to a forensic laboratory, or destruction. NFA-registered firearms are handled under IC 35-47-3-3.

"All firearms confiscated pursuant to statute shall, upon conviction of the person for the offense for which the confiscation was made, be disposed of in accordance with this chapter."

IC 35-47-3 (Disposal of Confiscated Weapons) statute

Indiana has no assault-weapon ban and preempts local governments from adopting one. The 2023 machine-gun amendment (HEA 1365 / Public Law 80-2023) prohibits auto-sear and 'switch' conversion devices, but standard semi-automatic rifles, shotguns, and handguns remain lawful.

"Except as provided in section 4 of this chapter, a political subdivision may not regulate: (1) firearms, ammunition, and firearm accessories."

IC 35-47-11.1-2 (preemption); no AWB statute statute

Indiana imposes no magazine-capacity limit, and the preemption statute bars political subdivisions from doing so. Any local ordinance enacted before, on, or after June 30, 2011 that attempts to regulate magazine capacity is void.

"Any provision of an ordinance, measure, enactment, rule, or policy or exercise of proprietary authority of a political subdivision... enacted or undertaken before, on, or after June 30, 2011; and that pertains to or affects the matters listed in section 2 of this chapter; is void."

IC 35-47-11.1-2 (preemption); no capacity statute statute

Suppressors, short-barreled rifles (SBRs), short-barreled shotguns (SBSs), and machine guns are regulated under the federal National Firearms Act and require ATF registration and the applicable tax stamp.

"The National Firearms Act (NFA) imposes a statutory excise tax on the manufacture and transfer of certain firearms and mandates the registration of those firearms."

26 U.S.C. ch. 53 (National Firearms Act) / ATF atf

Indiana does not prohibit private possession of suppressors, short-barreled rifles, or short-barreled shotguns at the state level when the item is NFA-registered. Indiana repealed its standalone state-level prohibition on sawed-off shotguns effective July 1, 2015 to align with federal NFA possession standards. Machine guns are prohibited at the state level except when possessed in full compliance with federal law; a 2023 amendment (HEA 1365 / Public Law 80-2023) expanded the definition of 'machine gun' to include auto-sear/'switch' conversion devices, possession of which is a Level 5 felony.

"Indiana repealed its ban on possessing short-barreled shotguns and rifles, effective July 1, 2015, putting those firearms under federal NFA registration rules."

IC 35-47-5 (sawed-off shotgun framework, 2015 amendment) secondary

Indiana preempts the field of firearm, ammunition, and accessory regulation. Political subdivisions may not regulate firearms, ammunition, or accessories — including ownership, possession, carrying, transportation, registration, transfer, storage, commerce, or taxation. Local ordinances enacted before, on, or after June 30, 2011 that touch any of these matters are void. Narrow exceptions exist for law-enforcement agency rules, courthouse buildings, public-meeting display, certain secure facilities, and generally applicable zoning. A private right of action with attorney's fees is available to challenge violating ordinances.

"Except as provided in section 4 of this chapter, a political subdivision may not regulate: (1) firearms, ammunition, and firearm accessories; (2) the ownership, possession, carrying, transportation, registration, transfer, and storage of firearms, ammunition, and firearm accessories; and (3) commerce in and taxation of firearms, firearm ammunition, and firearm accessories."

IC 35-47-11.1-2; IC 35-47-11.1-3 statute

Effective July 1, 2022, Indiana enacted permitless carry by adding IC 35-47-2-1.5. The act repealed the state-license requirement for carrying a handgun and created a prohibited-person framework. The pre-existing LTCH remained available on a fee-exempt basis. Signed by Gov. Eric Holcomb on March 21, 2022.

"House Bill 1296 — Firearms. Repeals the law that requires a person to obtain a license to carry a handgun in Indiana."

HEA 1296 (2022) / Public Law 175-2022 statute

In 2023, Indiana expanded its definition of 'machine gun' to include auto-sear and 'switch' conversion devices that convert a semi-automatic firearm into a machine gun. Possession is a Level 5 felony. Signed by Gov. Eric Holcomb on April 20, 2023 and effective immediately.

"House Bill 1365 — Machine guns. Expands the definition of 'machine gun' to include certain devices that convert a firearm to fire automatically."

HEA 1365 (2023) / Public Law 80-2023 statute

In 2024, Indiana enacted the 'Second Amendment Privacy Act,' prohibiting payment-card networks and merchant acquirers from assigning a firearms-specific Merchant Category Code (MCC) that distinguishes Indiana firearms retailers from general merchandise retailers, and barring transaction declines based solely on a firearms MCC. A conference committee amendment also restored handgun-carry privilege for certain constitutional officeholders in the Statehouse complex. Effective for transactions initiated after September 30, 2024.

"House Bill 1084 — Privacy of firearms financial transactions. Prohibits the use of firearm-related merchant category codes."

HB 1084 (2024) / Public Law 132-2024 statute

In 2024, Indiana enacted firearms-industry civil-immunity legislation under new IC 34-12-3.5, providing that only the State of Indiana may bring or maintain a lawsuit against a firearm or ammunition manufacturer, trade association, seller, or dealer arising from design, manufacture, distribution, marketing, sale, or criminal/unlawful use of a firearm. Signed by Gov. Eric Holcomb on March 15, 2024; effective July 1, 2024.

"House Bill 1235 — Prohibited causes of action concerning firearms."

HB 1235 (2024) / Public Law 170-2024 (IC 34-12-3.5) statute

HB 1084 prohibits payment-card networks and merchant acquirers from assigning firearms-specific MCCs to Indiana firearms retailers, and bars transaction declines based solely on firearms MCC assignment. A conference amendment also restored Statehouse-complex carry privilege for certain constitutional officeholders. Effective for transactions initiated after September 30, 2024.

Public Law 132-2024 (HB 1084)

HB 1235 created new IC 34-12-3.5, restricting lawsuits against firearm and ammunition manufacturers, trade associations, sellers, and dealers concerning design, manufacture, distribution, marketing, sale, or criminal/unlawful use to actions brought only by the State of Indiana. Signed by Gov. Eric Holcomb on March 15, 2024.

Public Law 170-2024 (HB 1235)

HEA 1365, signed by Gov. Eric Holcomb on April 20, 2023 and effective immediately, expanded the Indiana definition of 'machine gun' to include auto-sear and 'switch' conversion devices. Possession is a Level 5 felony carrying 1-6 years.

Public Law 80-2023 (HEA 1365)

Indiana HEA 1296, signed by Gov. Eric Holcomb on March 21, 2022, repealed the state-license requirement for carrying a handgun and added IC 35-47-2-1.5, establishing a prohibited-person framework. Adults 18 and older not on the prohibited list may carry openly or concealed without a permit.

Public Law 175-2022 (HEA 1296)