Senate Committee To Debate Guns-In-Parking-Lots Bill

Des Moines, Iowa — A bill that would override business policies that prevent employees from having guns in their vehicles in the company parking lot has cleared initial review in the Iowa Senate.

Senator Jason Schultz, a Republican from Schleswig, is the bill’s sponsor.

Schultz says his bill wouldn’t affect businesses that do not allow employees to bring guns into the workplace, but he says leaving a gun in a locked, parked vehicle should be allowed. Rita Carter of the United Methodist Church Advocates says she’s concerned because the bill also applies to the employees AND volunteers of non-profits.

Tracey Kennedy is an Iowa chapter leader for Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense.

The legislature’s website shows the Iowa Association of Business and Industry is opposed to the bill, while a number of other business groups are monitoring the legislation. Richard Rogers of the Iowa Firearms Coalition says about two dozen states have similar parking lot laws.

The bill is tentatively scheduled for debate in a Senate Committee this week. Policy bills like this one must be approved by a Senate or a House committee by the end of NEXT week — or the bill is tabled for the year. That deadline does not apply to spending or tax-related bills.

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