Rep Windschitl’s FB post just before HF2502 debate!
I noticed the HF2502 vote yesterday was 52-44 on party lines. I found that equally troubling and disappointing. Apparently the House Democrats weren’t interested in your civil liberties yesterday. I’ll admit to you, it can be hard to work with folks who think of you as a law breaker waiting to happen. It always bothers me that the default position is often, “I can’t trust you, so I’m taking steps,” quickly followed by, “There needs to be compromise as we blend safety with gun rights.” Sorry people. There is no such thing as ‘gun rights’ in this world. There are basic human rights – civil rights if you will. They are not to be marginalized or compromised upon. I don’t know why more Democrats don’t support their constituent’s desire to have the personal choice of self defense left to them. We used to see quite a few bills with overwhelming bipartisan support. Shall Issue was passed just 10 years ago with a Democrat majority House and Senate and signed into law by a Democrat Governor! I hope the mindset changes within those who have come to think so little of our liberties. I really do. We only back those candidates for office that will protect and embrace the Second Amendment.
Our current Preemption code can be found in 724.28. Iowans continue to be bamboozled by local authorities banning self protection under the guise of silly stickers and “Gun Free Zones” as it were. I wish those magical stickers actually did what the people slathering them all over courthouses, city halls, parks, and public property said they did. If magical stickers actually accomplished a task, I know a lot of Dads who would instantly place a “No Boys” sticker on their daughters, me included. …But, the hard core truth is, they’re a false sense of security and wildly irresponsible. Besides, your lives are every bit as valuable when buying your annual ATV tag at the courthouse as they are when you’re home with your family. Anyone who says otherwise has a flawed view of the sanctity of human life.
The vital range protection portion of this bill is pretty straight forward. However, there are some questions about the Preemption portion of this legislation. Below is a summary our Chief Lobbyist and Board Member, Richard Rogers, prepared for us to help explain the bill’s contents. Keep in mind Preemption is in essence, getting ahead of a potential problem by definition. In this case Preemption disallows a political subdivision (counties, cities, townships) from placing a more restrictive law onto Iowans than exists on the State of Iowa level.
Here is the summation Richard composed:
Iowa has long preempted the regulation of firearms to the state. Iowa Code 724.28 has been in effect since April 5, 1990.
The new “shall issue” system for issuing Permits to Carry Weapons became effective on January 1, 2011. 7242.7(1) states that those permits “…shall be valid throughout the state except where the possession or carrying ofa firearm is prohibited by state or federal law.”
In 2017, the General Assembly amended 724.28 to strengthen the prohibition on local regulation of firearms and to ensure that any Iowans who might be adversely affected by local regulations or policies erected in violation of 724.28 would be able to sue for declaratory and injunctive relief for damages.
Whether taken alone or in combination, these statutes clearly show the intent of the General Assembly to reserve to itself the exclusive authority to limit the issuance and scope of permits to carry weapons. Nevertheless, some local governments in Iowa persist in attempting to regulate the otherwise lawful carrying of firearms in direct violation of 724.28. Some examples:
Approximately two years ago, the City of Urbandale considered banning firearms in all City owned buildings that were within 1,000’ of a school. After much discussion and education behind the scenes, they were eventually dissuaded from the attempt.
The West Des Moines Library has adopted a Library Code of Conduct with nearly thirty rules, one of which bans firearms from the property. The City of West Des Moines has adopted that Code of Conduct as a City Ordinance. Violations of the ordinance are punishable by thirty days in jail and/or up to a $1,000 fine. As it pertains to firearms, this ordinance is VOID under 724.28, but there it is – on the books.
Last summer, the City of Des Moines considered banning ammunition magazines with a capacity greater than ten rounds. The proponents claimed to believe that magazines are not integral parts of a firearm, but rather are accessories and somehow not included in the protections provided by 724.28. Legislators and citizens alike worked to convince them otherwise and the proposal was dropped.However, had Des Moines tried to regulate firearm suppressors, optical or laser sights, or other firearm accessories, they might have found a legal avenue to do so. Thus, the necessity of this measure to further reform and strengthen 724.28.
Preemption Reform
Iowa issues Permits to Carry Weapons, not “Firearms”. This revision to Iowa Code 724.28 recognizes that and prevents the erection of an unworkable patchwork of local restrictions on any weapons or accessories. This maintains a logical and understandable statewide standard.
This bill (HF2502, formerly HSB615) allows political subdivisions of the state that have a demonstrable need for security screening at certain venues to be exempted from the preemption provisions of Code 724.28 at certain times and places, IF they provide actual security screening and armed security personnel. Simply posting “No Guns” signs is actually counterproductive and is insufficient to meet this test.
Here is my summation:
Richard is a talented and skilled orator. He can research and scour through code like few I’ve ever witnessed. His summation above should help anyone grasp what history surrounds Preemption Reform and the nuances of this bill. Let me put this in my words.
Firearms Preemption should be guarded like a crown jewel. Some states don’t even have preemption. Does anyone remember how awful it was when your permit was issued at the discretion of each of the 99 Iowa County Sheriffs? Each county had a different policy, and often those policies changed based on the outcome of an election. Your rights would come and go like the passing of seasons. Here’s a map in case you have forgotten.
Adhering to 99 different county variations of a ban, and then adding the possibility of nearly 950 city variations of gun free zones would make us all law breakers. I’m not sure how anyone could choose self defense options and remain legal. You’d be banned as you traveled the town, county, or state at any given moment without your knowledge potentially. Thank your lucky stars, some good legislators, and IFC along with NRA-ILA for Preemption. Trust me when I write to you, you don’t want to live in a state without it.
SPECIAL THANKS
We had a tremendous 2A Lobby Day at the Iowa Capitol yesterday. After we hit 300 people it was hard to keep track of the rest that came and went. We’re guessing a solid number to fall between 300 and 350 people by our head count. To quantify that for you, when Chapter 20 debates were at their peak a few years prior, far fewer turned out. I’m very proud of my fellow Iowans to say the least. Representative Steve Holt has tucked this legislation under his arm like the proverbial pig skin, and has shucked and strong armed his way to the goal line for Iowans. He has earned accolades from us all for his work to protect liberty and freedom.
2A supporters came by the hundreds!
I volunteer among great minds and a considerable depth of character with my fellow board members. IFC’s executive committee is arguably the best we’ve seen. Our dedicated and persevering volunteer staff put in the work on a daily basis. Our altruistic team gives up personal time to volunteer at gun shows, work on IT issues, market our ideas, spread our information, manage the membership, return a dizzying number of calls and emails, communicate the current events, and tirelessly liaise with all forms of government officials and elected offices to do the work necessary to ensure your civil liberties.
I’m not sure my “thanks” is suitable. Between the IFC volunteers, our membership, and the folks who support us, there has to be another word I can use to express my admiration and gratitude. When I find it, I’ll use it. Until then, THANK YOU, for your collective and individual works!
We have several bills that moving along, but nothing has landed on the Governor’s desk yet. Let’s get these pieces codified and move forward. In case you couldn’t join us yesterday, here is a bit of what you missed:
NEWTOWN, Conn. — The National Shooting Sports Foundation® (NSSF®), the trade association for the firearms industry, is pleased to announce that it has awarded Davenport Guns & Shooting Club a Four-Star rating for range excellence.
Located in the heart of Davenport, Iowa, Davenport Guns & Shooting Club sports a temperature-controlled, 12-lane, 50-foot indoor range open to the public and supported by a robust rental firearms inventory that includes several full-auto firearms packaged experiences. New customers often discover the range through Davenport’s own YouTube channel, which highlights both traditional target shooting offerings and the facility’s VAST—Video Action Target—live-fire sessions. The range’s large number of nationally recognized training programs and leagues are also a big draw. These include NSSF’s First Shots® introductory classes, NRA’s Refuse to be a Victim, several classes created by the United States Concealed Carry Association, and a very active chapter affiliate of A Girl & A Gun. Davenport further builds on interest and participation in those classes through its own training curriculum, which covers concealed carry license classes for both Iowa and Illinois, in-home personal protection and even first aid, among others.
While training and entertainment are in sharp focus at Davenport, this range works diligently to be a full-service facility for this Iowa community and visitors from nearby Illinois. Gun cleaning, FFL transfers, firearms accessory mounting and bore-sighting all keep the front door swinging, as does a well-stocked retail center. Davenport’s firearms inventory is a mix of both new and used guns, and area residents appreciate the consignment and trade-in services the store offers, which in turn is supported by Davenport’s expert firearms appraisers.
“This is a top-notch facility and we’re pleased its owners took the opportunity to utilize NSSF’s Star-Rating Range program as a tool to improve overall business practices,” said Zach Snow, NSSF Director, Retail & Range Business Development. “During our evaluation, we saw nothing but happy customers and friendly, knowledgeable staff, and that speaks volumes about their commitment to being a viable, well-respected member of Iowa’s business community. We’re looking forward to seeing Davenport implement the suggestions for improvement we made, as well as those they have in the works, and seeing this range reach Five-Star status.”
“Just opening the doors isn’t enough to stay in business,” said Jeanelle Westrom, owner of Davenport Guns & Shooting Club. “We strive to offer the best and latest products, from firearms to accessories and range equipment, and we partner with many local organizations to increase firearms awareness and safety. We’re constantly learning how to be better from working with the NSSF and use that knowledge, along with working with the entire firearms community, to make Davenport Guns & Shooting Club the best range and retail space we can for our entire community.”
NSSF’s highly respected Star-Rating Range Program works to encourage ranges of all sizes and locations to excel. Applying for a rating requires answering a comprehensive questionnaire and business owner self-evaluation of the facilities, staff, community outreach and other criteria. Ranges that appear to meet the criteria for Four- or Five-Star rating receive an on-site evaluation by NSSF staff. NSSF member ranges that meet a Three- and Four-Star rating are recognized for being a part of the Star-Rating range family and are provided guidance to improve their facilities and achieve the higher ratings. For more information, including instructions on how to apply for NSSF’s Star-Rating Range Program, contact Zach Snow at zsnow@nssf.org.
About NSSF
The National Shooting Sports Foundation is the trade association for the firearms industry. Its mission is to promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports. Formed in 1961, NSSF has a membership of thousands of manufacturers, distributors, firearms retailers, shooting ranges, sportsmen’s organizations and publishers nationwide. For more information, log on to www.nssf.org.
Have you ever managed to catch your hair on fire? I mean really, actually, truly, on fire? It can feel as if your head is ablaze during Iowa Legislature’s funnel week. I was on the phone solid from dawn to dusk and well after the entire week. IFC’s Chief Lobbyist, Richard Rogers, was under the golden dome for subcommittee and committee meetings all hours of day for the duration this week. As IFC testified at hearings, we live streamed most, and were able to capture particularly energizing comments from Representative Steve Holt during committee closing remarks on HSB615. (<– The best 7 minutes and 36 seconds on YouTube you’ll spend this week. Watch it!) We love it when elected officials stand up and support freedom and liberty!
Rep Holt and Rep Baxter were attacked early in the week by the Des Moines Register Editorial Board. You can read about their blather in IFC’s blog post HERE from earlier this week.
The funny thing about watching Representative Holt’s closing comments on HSB615 from above you ask? There can often be a duality in what you witness unfold before your very eyes. I found myself cheering Rep Holt from my office chair. Then during my glow, I was interrupted by the disappointment of watching my own local Representative vote against my civil rights.
Observing liberty inch forward while viewing my Representative vote against his district offered me, and by extension all of you, a valuable lesson. While there are great proponents of your basic human rights willing to take the bruises and bashing from the progs and incoherent-of-thought among us, there are far too many willing to TAKE from you things as basic as your rights, choices, and responsibilities.
I’m not sure I understand what the progs believe they’ll accomplish in stripping you of your core, one little piece at a time. But make no mistake they intend to take from you. They’ll never say that aloud. Typically it’ll be shrouded in comments of being ‘reasonable’ or ‘for safety’ when they avoid the fact they’ve placed themselves in a position to TAKE from you, what is yours – life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. You can set back on your duff and watch them erode both you and this country, or you can get engaged with the Iowa Firearms Coalition to elevate freedom loving Senators and House Representatives, and send the others packing… If any politician seeks to TAKE from you your freedom for the purposes of making THEM feel better, they’re unfit to lead. From my favorite line in The Untouchables, “Here endeth the lesson…”
BE THERE this week at the Capitol for our 2A lobby day – February 27th!
We have several eligible bills in the House and Senate that could come up for debate at any time now. We’ll keep a close watch on the calendar. There is always a chance that you could witness a great piece of 2A legislation be debated on the floor of the Senate or House from the gallery above. It truly is quite a sight to behold. I’d love nothing more than to witness a sea of blaze-orange-2A-sticker-clad Iowans monitoring a vital piece of legislation as it takes a huge step forward.
I’m referring of course to the 2A Lobby Day at the Iowa Capitol on February 27th. We will meet in room 15 of the Capitol Building from 10am-11am. We welcome you to please come by, and say hello to your Representatives and Senators. We will also have informative tables in the rotunda from noon through 4pm. We’ll walk you through 2A engagement best practices, show you how to locate and contact your elected officials, arm you with methods to continue meaningful and persuasive communication with them, and engage in volunteerism and electioneering.
Parking is all around the Capitol building and many use the ramp a block to the west of the State House. Walking into the West or South lower levels is simple and fast. Room G15 can be found on this map. Let us know you’re coming if you can by responding to this Facebook Event.
For those of you interested in a tour of the Capitol, there is a great map and QR coded tour you can take through the use of your smartphone HERE. Iowa has a unique and beautiful Capitol Building, so drink it in when you can. I recommend bringing children to learn about this magnificent structure as often as you can.
Legislation Status You Ask?
There are two funnel weeks during each legislative session. The first funnel is important because a bill must pass both subcommittee and full committee in its originating chamber in order to stay live and continue through the legislative process. The steps of going from a subcommittee to the larger full committee are significant to the process as they allow for a multitude of discussions on the bill between the Senators, public, and stakeholders who are for, undecided, or against the bill.
This week concluded the first funnel. There are times the bill tweaks require new language, amendments, and careful considerations, and time is never on our side. Thus, some pieces of legislation run out of time. We were able to trounce a dizzying list of bad bills and some really ugly stuff. And, thankfully some great pieces of legislation remain alive and well for the moment. The status and disposition of each of those bills is listed on our 2020 Legislative Tracker, better known as the “GBU Page” by IFC insiders. If you want the skinny, that’s your source. Get there and read down through the list.
A new IFC President you say? Parting Considerations…
Check out the bills we’re pushing forward, the bills we’re glad are dead, and those you need to make your House Representatives and Senators aware are coming before them. Let them know you have an expectation they honor you by placing these in front of the Governor to sign. Join us for the 2A Lobby Day at the Capitol. Don’t stay home or avoid coming because it sounds foreign to you. We’ll be there to walk you through each question you have and help you engage on the level you’re capable.
We have a new President we’re installing at IFC. Our former President, Kurt Liske, left big shoes to fill but we’re confident our next leader of the Executive Committee within IFC will propel the organization, thus all of you, forward. We’ll announce this person during the 10am-11am meeting at the Capitol on the 27th during our 2A Lobby Day. #excited #2A #freedom #liberty
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Firearms Preemption should be guarded like a crown jewel. Some states don’t even have preemption. Does anyone remember how awful it was when your permit was issued at the discretion of each of the 99 Iowa County Sheriffs? Each county had a different policy, and often those policies changed based on the outcome of an election. Your rights would come and go like the passing of seasons. Here’s a map in case you have forgotten.
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