WFHB Bloomington Community Radio
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Illinois already requires a permit and a background check for carrying a firearm, however it is also the only state in the country that requires a Firearms Owners Identification Card (FOID) before purchasing and using a gun.
In relation to the state of Indiana, Illinois’ shared border state, the laws vary quite a bit. The basic requirement in every state of the U.S. is that a licensed buyer must fill out a Firearms Transaction Record (ATF Form 4473).
As of now, Indiana does not require a permit for having a firearm, only requiring that citizens have the ATF form processed and approved. According to Terre Haute City Court judge, Chris Wrede, Indiana allows civilian transfer of firearms or ownership of firearms without having to even go through the 4473 form.
In terms of Indiana’s gun-control laws, the issue is under constant debate as to whether it needs more restriction or not, especially when events such as the recent death of 4-year-old Tripp Shaw in Bloomington occur.
Gun laws in Illinois are still under review and according to state officials, lack of clear rules and late deadlines has forced gun dealers in most areas of the state to leave the business instead of seeking a license. Indiana on the other hand is mostly pro-gun and pretty open toward gun owners.
When looking at these two states together, there has often been question of where gun violence comes from since even with more restriction on gun ownership, Chicago, Illinois has been known for more frequent gun-related deaths than other states.
According to the 2017 Gun Trace Report, nearly 60 percent of guns recovered in Chicago come from out-of-state dealers, with more than 20 percent traced back to Indiana.
