(Des Moines) Iowa House Republicans passed a gun bill this week that offers an option to “constitutional carry” a concealed handgun.
Iowa House District 20 Republican Representative Ray Sorensen says the bill allows law-abiding citizens the right to carry a firearm for their self-defense or others without first having to obtain a government permission slip in the form of a permit. Sorensen says a person can still get a permit to acquire or carry, but it will no longer be required.
Sorensen says a person wishing to get a permit to carry will undergo a background check, and citizens can use the permit for the next five-years to purchase firearms.
Supporters say the bill improves Iowans’ basic right of self-defense outlined in the Second Amendment. Opponents of the bill say it will make Iowa more dangerous for police and citizens and will make it more difficult to stop gun violence before it happens.
Republicans across the board passed the bill along with one democrat.
