Review & Preview – Week 3 of Iowa’s Legislative Session

“I prefer dangerous freedom over peaceful slavery.”

-Thomas Jefferson

Fellow Iowans-

Last week saw the introduction of two very solid bills. Representative Greg Heartsill is sponsoring a bill to remove the arbitrary minimum age requirement to handle handguns in Iowa. Heartsill’s also sponsoring a bill that would make Iowa a Stand Your Ground state by removing your duty to retreat from an attacker. In addition to Rep. Heartsill’s bills we’ve also received some very good news from Representative Chip Baltimore that anti-gun bills will not be gaining any traction in the House this year.

Week 3 recap:

Remember you can stay up to date on all firearms bills at the IFC 2015 Legislative Session page. There you can find bill numbers, who sponsored them, the bill’s status, and a brief synopsis.

Last week Represenative Heartsill introduced the following bills that both protect and enhance Iowans rights.

HF99 – Youth Handgun Age Limit
Currently anyone under the age of 14 is strictly prohibited from holding or shooting a handgun in Iowa — regardless of whether or not that minor is under parental supervision. HF99 would amend the state code to allow a person under 14 to lawfully shoot a handgun, with proper supervision, as long as their parent, guardian, or spouse who is 21 years of age or older has provided consent.

HF92 – Stand Your Ground
This legislation would remove a person’s “duty to retreat” from an attacker.  This would allow law-abiding citizens to protect themselves or their family anywhere they are lawfully present.  This legislation would also expressly enhance the protections against criminal prosecution and civil lawsuits when justifiable force is used.

HF45 – Emergency Powers & HF59 – Preemption Cleanup have both been assigned to subcommittees in the House Judiciary Committee. We’ll be updating any changes to their status on our 2015 Legislative Session page.

What you need to know:

A week ago we told you about a trio of gun control bills introduced by Representative Bruce Hunter. At the time we knew the bills had very little chance of passage, and now we’re even more confident. That’s because Representative Chip Baltimore, Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, has stepped up and made it very clear that he opposes these anti-gun bills and will not be considering them in his committee. This is a significant development and Representative Baltimore deserves many thanks for taking a stand. Please take a moment to contact Representative Chip Baltimore and say thanks for standing up for Iowan’s Second Amendment rights.

What you can do right now:

• Contact Representative Chip Baltimore
  • Tell him thanks for opposing gun control efforts and standing up for our rights.
• Visit our 2015 Legislative Session page
  • Brush up on the latest on Second Amendment bills introduced this session.
• Contact your legislators
  • Tell them you’re a Second Amendment supporter and there are thousands more like you who expect them to protect and enhance our Second Amendment rights.
    • Not sure what to say? The IFC has pre-written emails that go directly to your legislators -OR- read up on IFC Board Chairman John Reed’s tips on how to maximize your communications with lawmakers.
• Spread the word
  • ​Forward this email to family, friends, or anyone who values their rights.
  • Follow us Facebook & Twitter.
• ​Become an official Iowa Firearms Coalition member
  • ​Join Iowa’s most effective firearms advocacy group.
• ​Find a place to shoot
  • Exercise your 2A rights!

Volunteer at the IFC booth at the Cedar Rapids Gun Show

Feb. 6th – 8th
Hawkeye Downs
Volunteer for a couple hours or all day
FREE admission for volunteers
Contact:  andrewmaixner+IFC@gmail.com

Fighting for your Second Amendment rights in Iowa,

Sheena Green

IFC Communications Director

NRA Member

Iowa Firearms Coalition is an entirely volunteer, grassroots, 2nd Amendment advocacy group. Responsible for bringing uniformity to Iowa’s Concealed Weapons Permitting process, IFC’s members work to protect and enhance 2nd Amendment rights in Iowa. An affiliate of the National Rifle Association, the IFC actively seeks to foster and promote the shooting sports. Sign up for our email list for the latest on 2nd Amendment issues in Iowa.