Des Moines, Iowa — Earlier this week we told you about the Iowa Senate passing a wide-ranging omnibus gun bill, which some have called “Stand Your Ground” legislation. Thursday afternoon the Iowa House approved the bill, with the Senate’s amendments, and sent it on to Governor Branstad.
The bill’s sponsors say it will “give Iowans their freedoms back” when it comes to their firearms. Republican Representative Matt Windschitl says he feels safer having a gun.
The bill provides the “Stand Your Ground” legal shield for Iowans who shoot to defend life or property, so they cannot be charged with a crime or sued in civil court.
Critics raised concerns during Thursday afternoon’s discussion. Representative Ruth Ann Gaines, a Democrat from Des Moines who is black, recently called police after Gaines said her new white neighbor shouted: “Get…off my property,” and pointed a shotgun at Gaines’ partner who was in the neighbor’s driveway.
The bill also lets Iowans with a permit carry a concealed weapon into the state capitol. Representative Art Staid, a Democrat from Cedar Rapids, objected to that and other provisions which will let Iowans legally challenge established “gun free zones” in courthouses and other government buildings.
Windschitl said metal detectors at building entrances and “gun free zones” offer a “false sense of security.”
A previous version of the bill would have allowed concealed weapons on the community college and public university campuses in Iowa, but that was removed.
House members approved recent Senate changes in the bill on a voice vote, then gave final legislative approval to the package on a 57-36 vote.
