New Gun Laws for Iowa in 2011
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(SIOUX CITY, IA) A new year brings new rules for weapon permits in Iowa.
Here are some of differences gun owners should watch out for in 2011.
In 2011, Iowa becomes a "shall issue" weapons permit state. Previously, Iowa's 99 county sheriff's had discretion on who gets to carry a weapon, but that authority disappears with the new year.
"We had such a wide disparity of permit issuance policies, so with 99 counties in Iowa, there were 99 different ways that you could get a permit," says Sean McClanahan, President of the Iowa Firearms Coalition.
"If you meet all the requirements as set by the state, you will receive a concealed weapons permit," says Doug Boetger, Assistant Chief Deputy for Woodbury County, Iowa.
Permit training requirements are among the items seeing change.
"If you want to renew that existing permit for $25, then you have to show some sort of training within the past 12 months," says McClanahan.
But for a new permit, any "acceptable" previous training will do, no matter how long ago.
"If you come in for a new permit, any documentation of any training you've had forever, however long you want to go back will suffice," says Deputy Boetger.
Citizens carrying concealed weapons can now go into businesses that serve alcohol, but owners "do" have the right to say no weapons allowed.
"It doesn't mean that we ever advocate going into a bar and getting drunk and carrying your firearm, that's the most irresponsible thing you could ever do," says McClanahan.
If Iowans use common sense whenever guns are involved, the transition should go smoothly.
"If people leave their common sense where they used to leave their firearm when they left the house, then there could be some issues," says Deputy Boetger.
The current permits are valid and remain in place until they expire, Woodbury County will not do any early renewals.
For more information on the permit changes, check out these web sites.
Here is a link to the Iowa Firearms Coalition web page:
Link Removed
Here is a link to the department of Public Safety's web site:
Iowa Department of Public Safety
This story was reported by Jacob Heller. You can contact him at:
[email protected]