An omnibus pro-gun bill has been passed by Iowa lawmakers and now sits on the desk of Gov. Terry Branstad. House File 517 calls for, among other things:
- Stand Your Ground— Law-abiding citizens would no longer have a duty to retreat before using force to defend themselves.
- Protections in regards to “going armed with intent”— Carrying a concealed gun cannot be used to infer intent to commit a crime.
- Capitol Carry — Allows for lawful possession of handguns in capitol buildings.
- Restricting State of Emergency Powers— Prevents officials from prohibiting or confiscating guns during a state of emergency.
- Youth Shooting and Parental Rights— Gives youth the ability to learn gun safety under supervision of a parent or authorized adult.
- Permit Privacy— Keeps firearm permit information confidential.
As Iowa Public Radio has reported, Gov. Branstad backs the legislation. “The people who managed this bill were careful to craft something that is reasonable and something I could support,” the governor is quoted as saying.
