“Indiana is the first state in the nation to offer residents lifetime handgun permits under a new law that went into effect July 1,” according to The Indianapolis Star and other Hoosier State media.

However, that is not entirely accurate. New York state law has allowed handgun licenses to be “good until revoked,” a practice which has been followed by most counties outside the New York City area for 50 years or more. In other New York counties, licenses are renewable.

The new Indiana law was hailed by Second Amendment supporters and blasted by gun control advocates.

The law, which also increases the cost of obtaining or renewing a four-year license, is expected to bring in more money to the state and the Indiana State Police.

State Police Superintendent Paul Whitesell announced details of House Enrolled Act 1176 at a news conference on July 5, saying the law will streamline the process to get a permit for law-abiding gunowners. His agency oversees the issuance of permits.

Indiana residents do not need a permit to buy handguns or other firearms but must have one to carry or transport a pistol. State Police officials said Indiana has about 288,000 active handgun permits. Permits have been good for four years, but now gunowners have the option of obtaining a lifetime permit instead.

State Sen. Johnny Nugent (R-Lawrenceburg) and state Rep. Troy A. Woodruff (R-Vincennes), who carried the bill in their respective chambers, appeared with Whitesell to tout the new law.

“This is a day we are very proud of,” said Woodruff. “We are looking out for the law-abiding citizens of Indiana. If they follow the law, they shouldn’t have to go through the hassle of renewing a permit every four years.”

Nugent, who presented an application for the state’s first lifetime handgun permit, said he had heard positive comments about the new law from people across the state.

“Hopefully, this will encourage other states to follow suit,” he said.

Ashley Varner, spokeswoman for the National Rifle Association, said her organization is “very pleased” with the Indiana law.

But Peter Hamm, communications director for the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, called the law “ludicrous.”

State Police Capt. Doug Shelton, acting commander of the agency’s records section, said State Police will continue to check on gun permit holders whenever they are notified of an arrest, conviction or other action that could limit or preclude a person’s right to have a permit. He said that is already the practice for those who hold four-year permits.

Indiana offers two types of handgun permits: hunting/target or personal protection. You are required to have one of those permits to transport a gun.

The cost of four-year licenses for new applicants increased from $25 to $40, with the same fee for renewals. The new lifetime personal protection license, which allows Hoosiers to carry a concealed handgun, costs $125 for residents who do not have a current four-year license and $100 for current licensees.