Iowa Firearms Coalition Legislative Agenda
Thursday, January 12th, 2012
- Iowa Right to Keep and Bear Arms Constitutional Amendment
- Iowa Family Defense Act – "Stand Your Ground"
- Iowa Firearm Preemption Act - Stronger preemption of firearm regulation to the State
- Iowa Traditional Ammunition Defense Act - Defending against a ban on traditional ammo
RKBA Constitutional Amendment – This is the landmark legislation on which IFC and NRA are working for Iowans.
Iowa is one of only six states that do not have an enumerated right to keep and bear arms (RKBA) in their state Constitutions. The top priority of Iowa Firearms Coalition in 2012 is to correct this by persuading our legislature to begin the multi-year process of amending Iowa's Constitution. It is imperative we achieve this goal for two important reasons: (1) It lays the foundation upon which we will build a protective wall around those firearms rights that we have already secured for Iowans, and; (2) it provides the framework for defining the limits on government that will be needed as we seek to expand recognition of our rights.
Our RKBA amendment will add the following section to the Iowa Constitution:
The right of individuals to acquire, keep, possess, transport, carry, transfer, and use arms for defense of life and liberty and for all other legitimate purposes is fundamental and shall not be denied or infringed. Mandatory licensing, registration, or special taxation as a condition of the exercise of this right is prohibited, and any other restriction shall be subject to strict scrutiny.
Iowa Family Defense Act – This IFC/NRA sponsored bill significantly strengthens Iowans' self-defense rights. It eliminates the requirement that an individual attempt to flee when their life is threatened. Also, Iowans forced to defend themselves and not found criminally liable will no longer risk being burdened with a costly and painful defense against civil lawsuits. This bill would bring Iowa in line with modern "Castle Doctrine" and "Stand Your Ground" legislation already enacted by a majority of other states.
Iowa Firearm Preemption Act – Iowa law has for many years strictly and explicitly preempted the regulation of firearms to the State. This preemption was reinforced in the Shall Issue legislation that was passed in 2010. However, thanks to a flawed legal opinion issued by the Attorney General's office, some local governments feel empowered to ignore this law. They have passed illegal anti-gun ordinances and resolutions that attempt to restrict the right of Iowans to defend themselves in such public spaces as parks, waste dumping facilities, court houses, city council chambers and many other places where individuals conduct their daily business. IFC's proposed bill will put teeth into the law on preemption and end these attempts to create a crazy quilt of local regulations.
Iowa Traditional Ammo Defense Act – The DNR is trying to ban traditional ammunition in Iowa. The DNR started by attempting to institute such a ban for the recently created mourning dove season and they plan to expand it to affect all those who shoot, hunt or fish in Iowa. IFC and NRA fought hard against this ban and earned a temporary stay for the 2011 season, but this recent ban MUST be defeated this legislative session or it will go into effect.
Other major supporters of the IFC and NRA 2012 Legislative Agenda
Iowa Chapter, Safari Club International
Iowa State Rifle and Pistol Association
Iowa Sportsmen's Federation
