Police say the repeal of Indiana's handgun permit law means someone openly carrying a gun can be on a sidewalk eyeing a school but cops can't legally ask them what they're doing

Police say the repeal of the handgun permit law will make it more difficult to investigate crimes with guns.

The state legislature passed a bill in March that allows people over the age of 18 to carry a handgun. Individuals with felony convictions, restraining orders against them, or a mental illness that makes them dangerous are exceptions to the law.

Police advocates said that permits helped to screen for dangerous individuals with weapons.

To be able to run a criminal check, we have to go through another step or two. It will not be possible to do it on the side of the road.

The law would make people afraid, according to the sheriff.

Goodin said that a guy can stand out there and look at the school from a distance. We can't ask them what they're doing because of the law.

There are laws that protect the right to carry guns. Some of the laws, like Louisiana's and Ohio's bills to allow teachers to carry weapons, were proposed and passed in the wake of the Robb Elementary school shooting.

Legislators in Congress passed more federal gun restrictions as a result of the shooting. The restrictions include an end to the "boyfriend loophole," red flag laws that allow authorities to take guns from individuals deemed a threat to the public, and enhanced background checks for people under the age of 21.

The US Constitution protects the right to carry guns outside of the home according to the Supreme Court ruling. A New York state law that required people who register to carry guns outside of their homes to provide a reason for doing so was struck down by the law.

Insider did not get a response from Indiana State Police.