Iowa Firearm Laws

1. The governor may, after finding a state of public disorder exists, proclaim a state of public disorder emergency. This proclamation shall be in writing, indicate the area affected and the facts upon which it is based, be signed by the governor, and be filed with the secretary of state.
2. Notice of a proclamation of a state of public disorder emergency shall be given by the secretary of state by publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the area affected, by broadcast through radio and television serving the area affected, and by posting signs at conspicuous places within this area. The exercise of the special powers by the governor under this section shall not be precluded by the lack of giving notice if the giving of notice has been diligently attempted. All orders and rules promulgated under the proclamation shall be given public notice by the governor in the area affected.
3. A state of public disorder emergency shall continue for ten days, unless sooner terminated by the governor. The general assembly may, by concurrent resolution, rescind a proclamation of a state of public disorder emergency. If the general assembly is not in session, the legislative council may, by a majority vote, rescind this proclamation. Recision shall be effective upon filing of the concurrent resolution or resolution of the legislative council with the secretary of state.
4. The governor may, during the existence of a state of public disorder emergency, prohibit:
   1. Any person being in a public place during the hours declared by the governor to be a period of curfew if this period does not exceed twelve hours in any one day and if its area of its application is specifically designated.
   2. Public gatherings of a designated number of persons within a designated area.
   3. The manufacture, use, possession, or transportation of any device or object designed to explode or produce uncontained combustion.
   4. The possession of any flammable or explosive liquids or materials in a glass or uncapped container, except in connection with normal operation of motor vehicles or normal home and commercial use.
   5. The sale, purchase, or dispensing of alcoholic beverages.
   6. The sale, purchase, or dispensing of such other commodities as are designated by the governor.
   7. The use of certain streets or highways by the public.
   8. Such other activities as the governor reasonably believes should be prohibited to help maintain life, health, property, or the public peace.

[C77, 79, 81, §29C.3; 2017, ch 69, §34]

In exercising the governor's powers and duties under this chapter and to effect the policy and purpose, the governor may:

1. After finding a disaster exists or is threatened, proclaim a state of disaster emergency. This proclamation shall be in writing, indicate the area affected and the facts upon which it is based, be signed by the governor, and be filed with the secretary of state. If the state of disaster emergency specifically constitutes a public health disaster as defined in section 135.140, the written proclamation shall include a statement to that effect. A state of disaster emergency shall continue for thirty days, unless sooner terminated or extended in writing by the governor. The general assembly may, by concurrent resolution, rescind this proclamation. If the general assembly is not in session, the legislative council may, by majority vote, rescind this proclamation. Recision shall be effective upon filing of the concurrent resolution or resolution of the legislative council with the secretary of state. A proclamation of disaster emergency shall activate the disaster response and recovery aspect of the state, local, and interjurisdictional disaster emergency plans applicable to the political subdivision or area in question and be authority for the deployment and use of any forces to which the plan applies, and for use or distribution of any supplies, equipment, and materials and facilities assembled, stockpiled, or arranged to be made available.
2. When, at the request of the governor, the president of the United States has declared a major disaster to exist in this state, enter into purchase, lease, or other arrangements with any agency of the United States for temporary housing units to be occupied by disaster victims and to make such units available to any political subdivision of the state, to assist any political subdivision of this state which is the locus of temporary housing for disaster victims, to acquire sites necessary for such temporary housing and to do all things required to prepare such sites to receive and utilize temporary housing units, by advancing or lending funds available to the governor from any appropriation made by the legislature or from any other source, allocating funds made available by any agency, public or private, or becoming a copartner with the political subdivision for the execution and performance of any temporary housing for disaster victims project. Any political subdivision of this state is expressly authorized to acquire, temporarily or permanently, by purchase, lease, or otherwise, sites required for installation of temporary housing units for disaster victims, and to enter into whatever arrangements are necessary to prepare or equip such sites to utilize the housing units. The governor may temporarily suspend or modify, for not to exceed sixty days, any public health, safety, zoning, transportation, or other requirement of law or regulation within this state when by proclamation, the governor deems such suspension or modification essential to provide temporary housing for disaster victims.
3. When the president of the United States has declared a major disaster to exist in the state and upon the governor's determination that a local government of the state will suffer a substantial loss of tax and other revenues from a major disaster and has demonstrated a need for financial assistance to perform its governmental functions, apply to the federal government, on behalf of the local government for a loan, receive and disburse the proceeds of any approved loan to any applicant local government, determine the amount needed by any applicant local government to restore or resume its governmental functions, and certify the same to the federal government; however, no application amount shall exceed twenty-five percent of the annual operating budget of the applicant for the fiscal year in which the major disaster occurs. The governor may recommend to the federal government, based upon the governor's review, the cancellation of all or any part or repayment when, in the first three full fiscal year period following the major disaster, the revenues of the local government are insufficient to meet its operating expenses, including additional disaster-related expenses of a municipal operation character.
4. When a disaster emergency is proclaimed, notwithstanding any other provision of law, through the use of state agencies or the use of any of the political subdivisions of the state, clear or remove from publicly or privately owned land or water, debris and wreckage which may threaten public health or safety or public or private property. The governor may accept funds from the federal government and utilize such funds to make grants to any local government for the purpose of removing debris or wreckage from publicly or privately owned land or water. Authority shall not be exercised by the governor unless the affected local government, corporation, organization or individual shall first present an additional authorization for removal of such debris or wreckage from public and private property and, in the case of removal of debris or wreckage from private property, such corporation, organization or individual shall first agree to hold harmless the state or local government against any claim arising from such removal. When the governor provides for clearance of debris or wreckage, employees of the designated state agencies or individuals appointed by the state may enter upon private land or waters and perform any tasks necessary to the removal or clearance operation. Any state employee or agent complying with orders of the governor and performing duties pursuant to such orders under this chapter shall be considered to be acting within the scope of employment within the meaning specified in chapter 669.
5. When the president of the United States has declared a major disaster to exist in the state and upon the governor's determination that financial assistance is essential to meet disaster-related necessary expenses or serious needs of individuals or families adversely affected by a major disaster that cannot be otherwise adequately met from other means of assistance, accept a grant by the federal government to fund such financial assistance, subject to such terms and conditions as may be imposed upon the grant and enter into an agreement with the federal government pledging the state to participate in the funding of the financial assistance authorized in an amount not to exceed twenty-five percent thereof, and, if state funds are not otherwise available to the governor, accept an advance of the state share from the federal government to be repaid when the state is able to do so.
6. Suspend the provisions of any regulatory statute prescribing the procedures for conduct of state business, or the orders or rules, of any state agency, if strict compliance with the provisions of any statute, order or rule would in any way prevent, hinder, or delay necessary action in coping with the emergency by stating in a proclamation such reasons. Upon the request of a local governing body, the governor may also suspend statutes limiting local governments in their ability to provide services to aid disaster victims.
7. On behalf of this state, enter into mutual aid arrangements with other states and to coordinate mutual aid plans between political subdivisions of this state.
8. Delegate any administrative authority vested in the governor under this chapter and provide for the subdelegation of any such authority.
9. Cooperate with the president of the United States and the heads of the armed forces, the emergency management agencies of the United States and other appropriate federal officers and agencies and with the officers and agencies of other states in matters pertaining to emergency management of the state and nation.
10. Utilize all available resources of the state government as reasonably necessary to cope with the disaster emergency and of each political subdivision of the state.
11. Transfer the direction, personnel, or functions of state departments and agencies or units thereof for the purpose of performing or facilitating emergency management.
12. Subject to any applicable requirements for compensation, commandeer or utilize any private property if the governor finds this necessary to cope with the disaster emergency.
13. Direct the evacuation of all or part of the population from any stricken or threatened area within the state if the governor deems this action necessary for the preservation of life or other disaster mitigation, response, or recovery.
14. Prescribe routes, modes of transportation, and destinations in connection with evacuation.
15. Control ingress and egress to and from a disaster area, the movement of persons within the area, and the occupancy of premises in such area.
16. Suspend or limit the sale, dispensing, or transportation of alcoholic beverages, explosives, and combustibles.
17. 1. When the president of the United States has declared a major disaster to exist in the state and upon the governor's determination that financial assistance is essential to meet disaster-related necessary expenses or serious needs of local and state government adversely affected by a major disaster that cannot be otherwise adequately met from other means of assistance, accept a grant by the federal government to fund the financial assistance, subject to terms and conditions imposed upon the grant, and enter into an agreement with the federal government pledging the state to participate in the funding of the financial assistance authorized to local government and eligible private nonprofit agencies in an amount not to exceed ten percent of the total eligible expenses, with the applicant providing the balance of any participation amount. If financial assistance is granted by the federal government for state disaster-related expenses or serious needs, the state shall participate in the funding of the financial assistance authorized in an amount not to exceed twenty-five percent of the total eligible expenses. If financial assistance is granted by the federal government for hazard mitigation, the state may participate in the funding of the financial assistance authorized to a local government in an amount not to exceed ten percent of the eligible expenses, with the applicant providing the balance of any participation amount. If financial assistance is granted by the federal government for state -related hazard mitigation, the state may participate in the funding of the financial assistance authorized, not to exceed fifty percent of the total eligible expenses. If state funds are not otherwise available to the governor, an advance of the state share may be accepted from the federal government to be repaid when the state is able to do so.
    2. State participation in funding financial assistance under paragraph "a" is contingent upon the local government having on file a state -approved, comprehensive emergency plan which meets the standards adopted pursuant to section 29C.9, subsection 8.

[C62, §28A.3; C66, 71, 73, 75, §29C.3; C77, 79, 81, §29C.6; 81 Acts, ch 32, §2; 2017, ch 69, §35]
85 Acts, ch 53, §1; 92 Acts, ch 1139, §4; 99 Acts, ch 86, §3, 4; 2003 Acts, ch 33, §7, 11; 2011 Acts, ch 69, §3
Referred to in §8D.9, 16.194, 16.194A, 16.196, 29C.8, 100D.13, 135.140, 135.144, 135M.1, 135M.3, 135M.4, 161A.75, 418.4, 455B.262A, 613.17
Emergency care or assistance rendered during disasters, see §613.17

1. This chapter shall not be construed to authorize the governor or any other official of this state or any of its political subdivisions or any agent or person acting at the direction of the governor or any such official to do any of the following:
   1. Prohibit, regulate, or curtail the otherwise lawful possession, carrying, transportation, or defensive use of firearms or ammunition.
   2. Suspend or revoke, except in accordance with section 724.13, a permit issued pursuant to section 724.6, 724.7, or 724.15.
   3. Seize or confiscate firearms and ammunition possessed in accordance with the laws of this state.
2. This section shall not prohibit any of the following:
   1. The temporary closure or limitations on the operating hours of businesses that sell firearms or ammunition if the same operating restrictions apply to all businesses in the affected area.
   2. The adoption or enforcement of regulations pertaining to firearms and ammunition used or carried for official purposes by law enforcement officers or persons acting under the authority of emergency management agencies or officials.
3. 1. A person aggrieved by a violation of this section may seek relief in an action at law or in equity or in any other proper proceeding for actual damages, injunctive relief, or other appropriate redress against a person who commits or causes the commission of such violation.
   2. In addition to any other remedy available at law or in equity, a person aggrieved by the seizure or confiscation of a firearm or ammunition in violation of this section may make application pursuant to section 809.3 for its return in the office of the clerk of court for the county in which the property was seized.
   3. In an action or proceeding to enforce this section, the court shall award the prevailing plaintiff reasonable court costs and attorney fees.

[2017, ch 69, §36]

1. All papers and records pertaining to any involuntary hospitalization or application pursuant to section 229.6 of any person under this chapter, whether part of the permanent record of the court or of a file in the department of human services, are subject to inspection only upon an order of the court for good cause shown.
2. If authorized in writing by a person who has been the subject of any proceeding or report under sections 229.6 to 229.13 or section 229.22, or by the parent or guardian of that person, information regarding that person which is confidential under subsection 1 may be released to any designated person.
3. If all or part of the costs associated with hospitalization of an individual under this chapter are chargeable to a county of residence, the clerk of the district court shall provide to the county of residence and to the county in which the hospitalization order is entered the following information pertaining to the individual which would be confidential under subsection 1:
   1. Administrative information, as defined in section 228.1.
   2. An evaluation order under this chapter and the location of the individual's placement under the order.
   3. A hospitalization or placement order under this chapter and the location of the individual's placement under the order.
   4. The date, location, and disposition of any hearing concerning the individual held under this chapter.
   5. Any payment source available for the costs of the individual's care.
4. This section shall not prohibit any of the following:
   1. A hospital from complying with the requirements of this chapter and of chapter 230 relative to financial responsibility for the cost of care and treatment provided a patient in that hospital or from properly billing any responsible relative or third-party payer for such care or treatment.
   2. A court or the department of public safety from forwarding to the federal bureau of investigation information that a person has been disqualified from possessing, shipping, transporting, or receiving a firearm pursuant to section 724.31.

[C77, 79, 81, §229.24]
83 Acts, ch 96, §157, 159; 95 Acts, ch 120, §3; 96 Acts, ch 1183, §22; 2002 Acts, ch 1146, §4; 2004 Acts, ch 1090, §8; 2010 Acts, ch 1031, §362; 2010 Acts, ch 1178, §1, 2, 19; 2012 Acts, ch 1120, §102, 130; 2013 Acts, ch 130, §52
Referred to in §228.6, 230.20
2012 amendment to subsection 3, unnumbered paragraph 1, takes effect July 1, 2013; 2012 Acts, ch 1120, §130
Subsection 1 amended
Subsection 3, unnumbered paragraph 1 amended

1. A person shall not drive or operate a snowmobile:
   1. At a rate of speed greater than reasonable or proper under all existing circumstances.
   2. In a careless, reckless, or negligent manner so as to endanger the person or property of another or to cause injury or damage thereto.
   3. While under the influence of intoxicating liquor or narcotics or habit-forming drugs.
   4. Without a lighted headlight and taillight from sunset to sunrise and at such other times when conditions provide insufficient lighting to render clearly discernible persons and vehicles at a distance of five hundred feet ahead.
   5. In any tree nursery or planting in a manner which damages or destroys growing stock.
   6. On any public land, public ice, or designated snowmobile trail, in violation of official signs of the commission prohibiting such operation in the interest of safety for persons, property, or the environment. Any officer appointed by the commission may post an official sign in an emergency for the protection of persons, property, or the environment.
   7. g.
      1. In any park, wildlife area, preserve, refuge, game management area, or any portion of a meandered stream, or any portion of the bed of a nonmeandered stream which has been identified as a navigable stream or river by rule adopted by the department and which is covered by water, except on designated snowmobile trails.
      2. This paragraph "g" does not prohibit the use of ford crossings of public or private roads or any other ford crossing when used for agricultural purposes; the operation of construction vehicles engaged in lawful construction, repair, or maintenance in a streambed; or the operation of snowmobiles on ice.
   8. Upon an operating railroad right-of-way. A snowmobile may be driven directly across a railroad right-of-way only at an established crossing and, notwithstanding any other provisions of law, may, if necessary, use the improved portion of the established crossing after yielding to all oncoming traffic. This paragraph does not apply to a law enforcement officer or railroad employee in the lawful discharge of the officer's or employee's duties or to an employee of a utility with authority to enter upon the railroad right-of-way in the lawful performance of the employee's duties.
   9. Upon the surface of any public water in a maneuver known as water skipping. This paragraph "i" does not apply to operation on rivers or streams between November 1 and April 1.
2. 1. A person shall not operate or ride a snowmobile with a firearm in the person's possession unless it is unloaded and enclosed in a carrying case. However, a nonambulatory person may carry an uncased and unloaded firearm while operating or riding a snowmobile.
   2. 1. A person may operate or ride a snowmobile with a loaded firearm, whether concealed or not, without a permit to carry weapons, if the person operates or rides on land owned, possessed, or rented by the person, and the person's conduct is otherwise lawful.
      2. A person may operate or ride a snowmobile with a loaded pistol or revolver, whether concealed or not, if the person is operating or riding the snowmobile on land that is not owned, possessed, or rented by the person, and the person’s conduct is otherwise lawful
   3. A person shall not discharge a firearm while on a snowmobile, except that a nonambulatory person may discharge a firearm from a snowmobile while lawfully hunting if the person is not operating or riding a moving snowmobile.
3. A person shall not drive or operate a snowmobile on public land or a designated snowmobile trail without a measurable snow cover.
4. As used in this section, "rented by the person" includes a person who does not necessarily rent the land but who principally provides labor for the production of crops located on agricultural land or for the production of livestock principally located on agricultural land. The person must personally provide such labor on a regular, continuous, and substantial basis.

[C71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §321G.13; 81 Acts, ch 113, §8] 89 Acts, ch 244, §25, 26; 91 Acts, ch 236, §3; 99 Acts, ch 97, §1; 2002 Acts, ch 1001, §2; 2002 Acts, ch 1027, §7, 8; 2004 Acts, ch 1132, §19 - 22; 2005 Acts, ch 138, §9; 2007 Acts, ch 22, §69; 2010 Acts, ch 1061, §180; 2012 Acts, ch 1100, §17 - 19 Referred to in §805.8B(2b); 2016 Acts, ch 1070, §1; 2017 Acts, ch 29, §97, 98; 2017 Acts, ch 69, §46; 2018 Acts, ch 1058, §1, 2; 2018 Acts, ch 1172, §2

For applicable scheduled fines, see §805.8B, subsection 2, paragraph b

1. A person shall not drive or operate an all-terrain vehicle:
   1. At a rate of speed greater than reasonable or proper under all existing circumstances.
   2. In a careless, reckless, or negligent manner so as to endanger the person or property of another or to cause injury or damage thereto.
   3. While under the influence of intoxicating liquor or narcotics or habit-forming drugs.
   4. Without a lighted headlight and taillight from sunset to sunrise and at such other times when conditions provide insufficient lighting to render clearly discernible persons and vehicles at a distance of five hundred feet ahead.
   5. In any tree nursery or planting in a manner which damages or destroys growing stock.
   6. On any public land, public ice, or designated riding trail, in violation of official signs of the commission prohibiting such operation in the interest of safety for persons, property, or the environment. Any officer appointed by the commission may post an official sign in an emergency for the protection of persons, property, or the environment.
   7. In any park, wildlife area, preserve, refuge, game management area, or any portion of a meandered stream, or any portion of the bed of a nonmeandered stream which has been identified as a navigable stream or river by rule adopted by the department and which is covered by water, except on designated riding areas and designated riding trails. This paragraph does not prohibit the use of ford crossings of public roads or any other ford crossing when used for agricultural purposes; the operation of construction vehicles engaged in lawful construction, repair, or maintenance in a streambed; or the operation of all-terrain vehicles on ice.
   8. Upon an operating railroad right-of-way. An all-terrain vehicle may be driven directly across a railroad right-of-way only at an established crossing and, notwithstanding any other provisions of law, may, if necessary, use the improved portion of the established crossing after yielding to all oncoming traffic. This paragraph does not apply to a law enforcement officer or railroad employee in the lawful discharge of the officer's or employee's duties or to an employee of a utility with authority to enter upon the railroad right-of-way in the lawful performance of the employee's duties.
2. 1. A person shall not operate or ride an all-terrain vehicle with a firearm in the person's possession unless it is unloaded and enclosed in a carrying case. However, a nonambulatory person may carry an uncased and unloaded firearm while operating or riding an all-terrain vehicle.
   2. 1. A person may operate or ride on an all-terrain vehicle with a loaded firearm, whether concealed or not, without a permit to carry weapons, if the person operates or rides on land owned or possessed by the person, and the person's conduct is otherwise lawful.
      2. A person may operate or ride an all-terrain vehicle with a loaded pistol or revolver, whether concealed or not, if the person is operating or riding the all-terrain vehicle on land that is not owned, possessed, or rented by the person, and the person’s conduct is otherwise lawful.
   3. A person shall not discharge a firearm while on an all-terrain vehicle, except that a nonambulatory person may discharge a firearm from an all=terrain vehicle while lawfully hunting if the person is not operating or riding a moving all-terrain vehicle.
3. 1. A person shall not operate an all-terrain vehicle with more persons on the vehicle than it was designed to carry.
   2. Paragraph "a" does not apply to a person who operates an all-terrain vehicle as part of a farm operation as defined in section 352.2.
4. A person shall not operate an off-road utility vehicle on a designated riding area or designated riding trail unless the riding area or trail is signed by the department as open to off-road utility vehicle operation.
5. A person shall not operate a vehicle other than an all-terrain vehicle on a designated riding area or designated riding trail unless the riding area or trail is signed by the department as open to such other use.
6. As used in this section, “rented by the person” includes a person who does not necessarily rent the land but who principally provides labor for the production of crops located on agricultural land or for the production of livestock principally located on agricultural land. The person must personally provide such labor on a regular, continuous, and substantial basis.

2004 Acts, ch 1132, §57; 2007 Acts, ch 141, §36, 37; 2008 Acts, ch 1161, §4; 2012 Acts, ch 1100, §44 Referred to in §321I.15A, 805.8B(2Ab); 2016 Acts, ch 1070, §2; 2017 Acts, ch 29, §99, 100; 2017 Acts, ch 69, §47; 2018 Acts, ch 1058, §3, 4; 2018 Acts, ch 1172, §29, 3

For applicable scheduled fines, see §805.8B, subsection 2A, paragraph b

In approving the improvement of property acquired to establish, use, and maintain a new shooting range or in approving a substantial change to an existing shooting range pursuant to section 657.9, subsection 1, the county zoning commission, or if there is not a county zoning commission, the county board of supervisors, shall apply and enforce regulations and restrictions established for each zoning district adopted pursuant to this chapter but shall not otherwise require a person seeking approval to comply with any conditions relating to the establishment, use, or maintenance of the shooting range that are more stringent than those imposed by state law.

Enacted 2020 HF2502 § 1

In approving the improvement of property acquired to establish, use, and maintain a new shooting range or in approving a substantial change to an existing shooting range pursuant to section 657.9, subsection 1, the city zoning commission, or if there is not a city zoning commission, the city council, shall apply and enforce zoning regulations and restrictions established for each zoning district adopted pursuant to this chapter but shall not otherwise require a person seeking approval to comply with any conditions relating to the establishment, use, or maintenance of the shooting range that are more stringent than those imposed by state law.

Enacted 2020 HF2502 § 2

1. The use of firearms, explosives, and weapons of all kinds by a person is prohibited in all state parks and preserves except under the following conditions:
   1. A firearm or other weapon authorized for hunting may be used in preserves or parts of preserves designated by the state advisory board on preserves at the request of the commission.
   2. A person may use a bow and arrow with an attached bow fishing reel and ninety-pound minimum line attached to the arrow to take rough fish as provided by rule of the commission.
   3. The commission may establish, by rule, the state parks or parts of state parks where firearms may be discharged during special events, festivals and education programs, or a special hunt to control animal populations. The rules governing special hunts to control animal populations shall be applied separately to each designated state park.
2. The use of fireworks, as defined in section 727.2, in state parks and preserves is prohibited except as authorized by a permit issued by the department. The commission shall establish, by rule adopted pursuant to chapter 17A, a fireworks permit system which authorizes the issuance of a limited number of permits to qualified persons to use or display fireworks in selected state parks and preserves.
3. A person violating this section is guilty of a simple misdemeanor punishable as a scheduled violation pursuant to section 805.8B, subsection 6, paragraph "c".

[C39, §1828.08; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §111.42]
86 Acts, ch 1245, §1877; 91 Acts, ch 101, §1
C93, §461A.42
97 Acts, ch 180, §1; 99 Acts, ch 153, §10; 2012 Acts, ch 1118, §2
Referred to in §350.10, 724.4A, 805.8B(6c)

1. A person born after January 1, 1972, shall not obtain a hunting license unless the person has satisfactorily completed a hunter education course approved by the commission. A person who is eleven years of age or more may enroll in an approved hunter education course, but a person who is eleven years of age and who has successfully completed the course shall be issued a certificate of completion which becomes valid on the person's twelfth birthday. A certificate of completion from an approved hunter education course issued in this state, or a certificate issued by another state, country, or province for completion of a course that meets the standards adopted by the international hunter education association == United States of America, is valid for the requirements of this section.
2. 1. A certificate of completion shall not be issued to a person who has not satisfactorily completed an approved hunter education course. The department shall establish the curriculum based on the standards adopted by the international hunter education association == United States of America for the approved hunter education course. Upon completion of the course, each person shall pass an individual oral test or a written test provided by the department. The department shall establish the criteria for successfully passing the tests. Based on the results of the test and demonstrated safe handling of a firearm, the instructor shall determine the persons who shall be issued a certificate of completion.
   2. Notwithstanding paragraph "a", a resident who is eighteen years of age or older may obtain a certificate of completion without demonstrating the safe handling of a firearm.
3. The department shall provide a manual regarding hunter education which shall be used by all instructors and persons receiving hunter education training in this state. The department may produce the manual in a print or electronic format accessible from a computer, including from a data storage device or the department's internet site.
4. The department shall provide for the certification of persons who wish to become hunter education instructors. A person shall not act as an instructor in hunter education as provided in this section without first obtaining an instructor's certificate from the department.
5. An officer of the department or a certified instructor may issue a certificate to a person who has not completed the hunter education course but meets the criteria established by the commission.
6. A public or private school accredited pursuant to section 256.11 or an organization approved by the department may cooperate with the department in providing a course in hunter education or shooting sports activities as provided in this section.
7. A hunting license obtained under this section by a person who gave false information or presented a fraudulent certificate of completion shall be revoked and a new hunting license shall not be issued for at least two years from the date of conviction. A hunting license obtained by a person who was born after January 1, 1972, but has not satisfactorily completed the hunter education course or has not met the requirements established by the commission, shall be revoked.
8. The commission shall adopt rules in accordance with chapter 17A as necessary to carry out the administration of this section.
9. The initial hunter education certificate shall be issued without cost. A duplicate certificate shall be issued upon payment of the writing fee and administrative fee, if applicable.
10. A person under eighteen years of age who is required to exhibit a valid hunting license, shall also exhibit a valid certificate of completion from a state approved hunter education course upon request of an officer of the department. A failure to carry or refusal to exhibit the certificate of completion as provided in this subsection is a violation of this chapter. A violator is guilty of a simple misdemeanor as provided in section 483A.42.
11. An instructor certified by the department shall be allowed to conduct a department-approved hunter education course or shooting sports activities course on public school property with the approval of a majority of the board of directors of the school district. Conducting an approved hunter education course or shooting sports activities course is not a violation of any public policy, rule, regulation, resolution, or ordinance which prohibits the possession, display, or use of a firearm, bow and arrow, or other hunting weapon on public school property or other public property in this state.

[82 Acts, ch 1035, §1]
C83, §110.27
85 Acts, ch 104, §1; 86 Acts, ch 1240, §8; 86 Acts, ch 1245, §1877; 91 Acts, ch 235, §1, 2
C93, §483A.27
97 Acts, ch 96, §1, 2; 2001 Acts, ch 176, §43; 2007 Acts, ch 28, §19; 2008 Acts, ch 1161, §19; 2009 Acts, ch 133, §159; 2013 Acts, ch 75, §1. 2015 Acts, SF392, § 7.
Referred to in §483A.7, 483A.8, 483A.24, 805.8B(3b)
For applicable scheduled fines, see §805.8B, subsection 3, paragraph b

A "dangerous weapon" is any instrument or device designed primarily for use in inflicting death or injury upon a human being or animal, and which is capable of inflicting death upon a human being when used in the manner for which it was designed, except a bow and arrow when possessed and used for hunting or any other lawful purpose. Additionally, any instrument or device of any sort whatsoever which is actually used in such a manner as to indicate that the defendant intends to inflict death or serious injury upon the other, and which, when so used, is capable of inflicting death upon a human being, is a dangerous weapon. Dangerous weapons include but are not limited to any offensive weapon, pistol, revolver, or other firearm, dagger, razor, stiletto, switchblade knife, knife having a blade exceeding five inches in length, or any portable device or weapon directing an electric current, impulse, wave, or beam that produces a high-voltage pulse designed to immobilize a person.

[S13, §4775-1a; C24, 27, 31, §12936; C35, §12935-g1, 12936; C39, §12935.1, 12936; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, §695.1, 695.2; C79, 81, §702.7]
88 Acts, ch 1164, §1; 2008 Acts, ch 1151, §1
Referred to in §280.17A, 280.17B, 708.11, 708.13, 719.1

1. "Reasonable force" means that force and no more which a reasonable person, in like circumstances, would judge to be necessary to prevent an injury or loss and can include deadly force if it is reasonable to believe that such force is necessary to avoid injury or risk to one's life or safety or the life or safety of another, or it is reasonable to believe that such force is necessary to resist a like force or threat.
2. A person may be wrong in the estimation of the danger or the force necessary to repel the danger as long as there is a reasonable basis for the belief of the person and the person acts reasonably in the response to that belief.
3. A person who is not engaged in illegal activity has no duty to retreat from any place where the person is lawfully present before using force as specified in this chapter.

[C51, §2773; R60, §4442; C73, §4112; C97, §5102; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §12921; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, §691.1; C79, 81, §704.1; 81 Acts, ch 204, §2; 2017, ch 69, §37]

Referred to in §234.40, 280.21

"Dwelling" defined, see §702.10

1. The term "deadly force" means any of the following:
   1. Force used for the purpose of causing serious injury.
   2. Force which the actor knows or reasonably should know will create a strong probability that serious injury will result.
   3. The discharge of a firearm, other than a firearm loaded with less lethal munitions and discharged by a peace officer, corrections officer, or corrections official in the line of duty, in the direction of some person with the knowledge of the person's presence there, even though no intent to inflict serious physical injury can be shown.
   4. The discharge of a firearm, other than a firearm loaded with less lethal munitions and discharged by a peace officer, corrections officer, or corrections official in the line of duty, at a vehicle in which a person is known to be.
   1.A. "Deadly force" does not include a threat to cause serious injury or death, by the production, display, or brandishing of a deadly weapon, as long as the actions of the person are limited to creating an expectation that the person may use deadly force to defend oneself, another, or as otherwise authorized by law.

As used in this section, "less lethal munitions" means projectiles which are designed to stun, temporarily incapacitate, or cause temporary discomfort to a person without penetrating the person's body.

[C79, 81, §704.2; 2017, ch 69, §38]
97 Acts, ch 166, §1, 2; 2013 Acts, ch 30, §197.

1. For purposes of this chapter, a person is presumed to reasonably believe that deadly force is necessary to avoid injury or risk to one's life or safety or the life or safety of another in either of the following circumstances:
   1. The person against whom force is used, at the time the force is used, is doing any of the following:
      1. Unlawfully entering the dwelling, place of business or employment, or occupied vehicle of the person using force by force or stealth, or has unlawfully entered by force or stealth and remains within the dwelling, place of business or employment, or occupied vehicle of the person using force.
      2. Unlawfully removing or is attempting to unlawfully remove another person against the other person's will from the dwelling, place of business or employment, or occupied vehicle of the person using force.
   2. The person using force knows or has reason to believe that any of the conditions set forth in paragraph "a" are occurring.
2. The presumption set forth in subsection 1 does not apply if, at the time force is used, any of the following circumstances are present:
   1. The person using defensive force is engaged in a criminal offense, is attempting to escape from the scene of a criminal offense that the person has committed, or is using the dwelling, place of business or employment, or occupied vehicle to further a criminal offense.
   2. The person sought to be removed is a child or grandchild or is otherwise in the lawful custody or under the lawful guardianship of the person against whom force is used.
   3. The person against whom force is used is a peace officer who has entered or is attempting to enter a dwelling, place of business or employment, or occupied vehicle in the lawful performance of the peace officer's official duties.
   4. The person against whom the force is used has the right to be in, or is a lawful resident of, the dwelling, place of business or employment, or occupied vehicle of the person using force, and a protective or no=contact order is not in effect against the person against whom the force is used.

[2017, ch 69, §39]

1. If a person uses deadly force, the person shall notify or cause another to notify a law enforcement agency about the person's use of deadly force within a reasonable time period after the person's use of the deadly force, if the person or another person is capable of providing such notification.
2. The person using deadly force shall not intentionally destroy, alter, conceal, or disguise physical evidence relating to the person's use of deadly force, and the person shall not intentionally intimidate witnesses into refusing to cooperate with any investigation relating to the use of such deadly force or induce another person to alter testimony about the use of such deadly force.

[2017, ch 69, §40]

A person is justified in the use of reasonable force when the person reasonably believes that such force is necessary to defend oneself or another from any actual or imminent use of unlawful force.

[C51, §2773 - 2775; R60, §4442 - 4444; C73, §4112 - 4114; C97, §5102 - 5104; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §12921 - 12923; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, §691.1, 691.2(1), 691.3; C79, 81, §704.3; 2017, ch 69, §41]

Referred to in §236.12

A person is justified in the use of reasonable force to prevent or terminate criminal interference with the person's possession or other right in property. Nothing in this section authorizes the use of any spring gun or trap which is left unattended and unsupervised and which is placed for the purpose of preventing or terminating criminal interference with the possession of or other right in property.

[C51, §2774; R60, §4443; C73, §4113; C97, §5103; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §12922; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, §691.2(2); C79, 81, §704.4]

A person is justified in the use of reasonable force to aid another in the lawful defense of the other person's rights in property or in any public property.

[C51, §2775; R60, §4444; C73, §4114; C97, §5104; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §12923; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, §691.3; C79, 81, §704.5]

1. The defense of justification is not available to the following:
   1. One who is participating in a forcible felony, or riot, or a duel.
   2. One who initially provokes the use of force against oneself, with the intent to use such force as an excuse to inflict injury on the assailant.
   3. One who initially provokes the use of force against oneself by one's unlawful acts, unless:
      1. Such force is grossly disproportionate to the provocation, and is so great that the person reasonably believes that the person is in imminent danger of death or serious injury or
      2. The person withdraws from physical contact with the other and indicates clearly to the other that the person desires to terminate the conflict but the other continues or resumes the use of force.

[C79, 81, §704.6]

A person who reasonably believes that a forcible felony is being or will imminently be perpetrated is justified in using, reasonable force, including deadly force, against the perpetrator or perpetrators to prevent or terminate the perpetration of that felony.

[C79, 81, §704.7; 2017, ch 69, §42]
Forcible felony defined, see §702.11
Liability of perpetrator of forcible felony, see chapter 670A

No act, other than an act by which one intentionally or recklessly causes physical injury to another, is a public offense if the person so acting is compelled to do so by another's threat or menace of serious injury, provided that the person reasonably believes that such injury is imminent and can be averted only by the person doing such act.

[C79, 81, §704.10]

A person who is justified in using reasonable force against an aggressor in defense of oneself, another person, or property pursuant to section 704.4 is immune from criminal or civil liability for all damages incurred by the aggressor pursuant to the application of reasonable force.

[2017, ch 69, §43]

A person who injures or causes the death of the aggressor through application of reasonable force in defense of the person's person or property shall not be held civilly liable for such injury or death.

A person who injures or causes the death of the aggressor through application of reasonable force in defense of a second person shall not be held civilly liable for such injury or death.

[C79, 81, §707.6; 2017, ch 69, §44]

1. An offensive weapon is any device or instrumentality of the following types:
   1. A machine gun. A machine gun is a firearm which shoots or is designed to shoot more than one shot, without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger.
   2. Any weapon other than a shotgun or muzzle loading rifle, cannon, pistol, revolver or musket, which fires or can be made to fire a projectile by the explosion of a propellant charge, which has a barrel or tube with the bore of more than six-tenths of an inch in diameter, or the ammunition or projectile therefor, but not including antique weapons kept for display or lawful shooting.
   3. A bomb, grenade, or mine, whether explosive, incendiary, or poison gas; any rocket having a propellant charge of more than four ounces; any missile having an explosive charge of more than one-quarter ounce; or any device similar to any of these.
   4. A ballistic knife. A ballistic knife is a knife with a detachable blade which is propelled by a spring-operated mechanism, elastic material, or compressed gas.
   5. Any part or combination of parts either designed or intended to be used to convert any device into an offensive weapon as described in paragraphs "a" through "e", or to assemble into such an offensive weapon, except magazines or other parts, ammunition, or ammunition components used in common with lawful sporting firearms or parts including but not limited to barrels suitable for refitting to sporting firearms.
   6. Any bullet or projectile containing any explosive mixture or chemical compound capable of exploding or detonating prior to or upon impact, or any shotshell or cartridge containing exothermic pyrophoric misch metal as a projectile which is designed to throw or project a flame or fireball to simulate a flamethrower.
2. An offensive weapon or part or combination of parts therefor shall not include the following:
   1. An antique firearm. An antique firearm is any firearm (including any firearm with a matchlock, flintlock, percussion cap, or similar type of ignition system) manufactured in or before 1898 or any firearm which is a replica of such a firearm if such replica is not designed or redesigned for using conventional rimfire or centerfire fixed ammunition or which uses only rimfire or centerfire fixed ammunition which is no longer manufactured in the United States and which is not readily available in the ordinary channels of commercial trade.
   2. A collector's item. A collector's item is any firearm other than a machine gun that by reason of its date of manufacture, value, design, and other characteristics is not likely to be used as a weapon. The commissioner of public safety shall designate by rule firearms which the commissioner determines to be collector's items and shall revise or update the list of firearms at least annually.
   3. Any device which is not designed or redesigned for use as a weapon; any device which is designed solely for use as a signaling, pyrotechnic, line-throwing, safety, or similar device; or any firearm which is unserviceable by reason of being unable to discharge a shot by means of an explosive and is incapable of being readily restored to a firing condition.

[C27, 31, 35, §12960-b1; C39, §12960.01; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, §696.1; C71, 73, 75, 77, §696.1, 697.10, 697.11; C79, 81, §724.1]

83 Acts, ch 7, §1; 88 Acts, ch 1164, §2, 3; 92 Acts, ch 1004, §1, 2; 2000 Acts, ch 1116, §7 Referred to in §124.401, 809.21, 809A.17; 2013 Acts, ch. 90, §205; 2014 Acts, ch. 1092, §148; 2015 ch 30, §194; 2016 ch 1044, § 1; 2017 ch 69, §1.

1. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires:
   1. "Certification" means the participation and assent of the chief law enforcement officer of the jurisdiction where the applicant resides or maintains an address of record, that is necessary under federal law for the approval of an application to make or transfer a firearm suppressor.
   2. "Chief law enforcement officer" means the county sheriff, chief of police, or the designee of such official, that the federal bureau of alcohol, tobacco, firearms and explosives, or any successor agency, has identified by regulation or has determined is otherwise eligible to provide any required certification for making or transferring a firearm suppressor.
   3. "Firearm suppressor" means a mechanical device specifically constructed and designed so that when attached to a firearm it silences, muffles, or suppresses the sound when fired and that is considered a "firearm silencer" or "firearm muffler" as defined in 18 U.S.C. 921.
2. 1. A chief law enforcement officer is not required to make any certification under this section the chief law enforcement officer knows to be false, but the chief law enforcement officer shall not refuse, based on a generalized objection, to issue a certification to make or transfer a firearm suppressor.
   2. When the certification of the chief law enforcement officer is required by federal law or regulation for making or transferring a firearm suppressor, the chief law enforcement officer shall, within thirty days of receipt of a request for certification, issue such certification if the applicant is not prohibited by law from making or transferring a firearm suppressor or is not the subject of a proceeding that could result in the applicant being prohibited by law from making or transferring the firearm suppressor. If the chief law enforcement officer does not issue a certification as required by this section, the chief law enforcement officer shall provide the applicant with a written notification of the denial and the reason for the denial.
   3. A certification that has been approved under this section grants the person the authority to make or transfer a firearm suppressor as provided by state and federal law.
3. An applicant whose request for certification is denied may appeal the decision of the chief law enforcement officer to the district court for the county in which the applicant resides or maintains an address of record. The court shall review the decision of the chief law enforcement officer to deny the certification de novo. If the court finds that the applicant is not prohibited by law from making or transferring the firearm suppressor, and is not the subject of a proceeding that could result in such prohibition, or that no substantial evidence supports the decision of the chief law enforcement officer, the court shall order the chief law enforcement officer to issue the certification and award court costs and reasonable attorney fees to the applicant. If the court determines the applicant is not eligible to be issued a certification, the court shall award court costs and reasonable attorney fees to the political subdivision of the state representing the chief law enforcement officer.
4. In making a determination about whether to issue a certification under subsection 2, a chief law enforcement officer may conduct a criminal background check, including an inquiry of the national instant criminal background check system maintained by the federal bureau of investigation or any successor agency, but shall only require the applicant to provide as much information as is necessary to identify the applicant for this purpose or to determine the disposition of an arrest or proceeding relevant to the eligibility of the applicant to lawfully possess or receive a firearm suppressor. A chief law enforcement officer shall not require access to or consent to inspect any private premises as a condition of providing a certification under this section.
5. A chief law enforcement officer and employees of the chief law enforcement officer who act in good faith are immune from liability arising from any act or omission in making a certification as required by this section.

(2016 ch 1044 § 2)

1. A person shall not knowingly possess a firearm suppressor in this state in violation of federal law.
2. A person who possesses a firearm suppressor in violation of subsection 1 commits a class "D" felony.

(2016 ch 1044 § 3)

1. For purposes of this section, "short=barreled rifle" or "short-barreled shotgun" means the same as defined in 18 U.S.C. {921.
2. A person shall not knowingly possess a short-barreled rifle or short-barreled shotgun in violation of federal law.
3. A person who possesses a short-barreled rifle or short-barreled shotgun in violation of subsection 2 commits a class "D" felony.

(2017 ch 69, § 2.)

1. Any of the following persons or entities is authorized to possess an offensive weapon when the person's or entity's duties or lawful activities require or permit such possession:
   1. Any peace officer.
   2. Any member of the armed forces of the United States or of the national guard.
   3. Any person in the service of the United States.
   4. A correctional officer, serving in an institution under the authority of the Iowa department of corrections.
   5. Any person who under the laws of this state and the United States, is lawfully engaged in the business of supplying those authorized to possess such devices.
   6. Any person, firm or corporation who under the laws of this state and the United States is lawfully engaged in the improvement, invention or manufacture of firearms.
   7. Any museum or similar place which possesses, solely as relics, offensive weapons which are rendered permanently unfit for use.
   8. A resident of this state who possesses an offensive weapon which is a curio or relic firearm under the federal Firearms Act, 18 U.S.C. ch. 44, solely for use in the official functions of a historical reenactment organization of which the person is a member, if the offensive weapon has been permanently rendered unfit for the firing of live ammunition. The offensive weapon may, however, be adapted for the firing of blank ammunition.
   9. A nonresident who possesses an offensive weapon which is a curio or relic firearm under the federal Firearms Act, 18 U.S.C. ch. 44, solely for use in official functions in this state of a historical reenactment organization of which the person is a member, if the offensive weapon is legally possessed by the person in the person's state of residence and the offensive weapon is at all times while in this state rendered incapable of firing live ammunition. A nonresident who possesses an offensive weapon under this paragraph while in this state shall not have in the person's possession live ammunition. The offensive weapon may, however, be adapted for the firing of blank ammunition.
2. Notwithstanding subsection 1, a person is not authorized to possess in this state a shotshell or cartridge intended to project a flame or fireball of the type described in section 724.1.

[C27, 31, 35, §12960-b4, 12960-b5, 12960-b7; C39, §12960.04, 12960.05, 12960.07; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, §696.4 - 696.7; C79, 81, §724.2]

83 Acts, ch 96, §122, 159; 97 Acts, ch 166, §3 Referred to in §724.1; 2013 Acts, ch. 90, §206; 2013 Acts, ch 140, §78.

As used in sections 724.4, 724.6, and 724.11, "peace officer" means a certified "peace officer" and includes a reserve peace officer as defined in section 80D.1A.

96 Acts, ch 1078, §1; 2017 Acts, ch 69, § 5

Referred to in §708.13

Any person, other than a person authorized herein, who knowingly possesses an offensive weapon commits a class "D" felony.

[C27, 31, 35, §12960-b3; C39, §12960.03; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, §696.3; C71, 73, 75, 77, §696.3, 697.11; C79, 81, §724.3]

1. Except as otherwise provided in this section, a person who goes armed with a dangerous weapon concealed on or about the person, or who, within the limits of any city, goes armed with a pistol or revolver, or any loaded firearm of any kind, whether concealed or not, or who knowingly carries or transports in a vehicle a pistol or revolver, commits an aggravated misdemeanor.
2. A person who goes armed with a knife concealed on or about the person, if the person uses the knife in the commission of a crime, commits an aggravated misdemeanor.
3. A person who goes armed with a knife concealed on or about the person, if the person does not use the knife in the commission of a crime:
   1. If the knife has a blade exceeding eight inches in length, commits an aggravated misdemeanor.
   2. If the knife has a blade exceeding five inches but not exceeding eight inches in length, commits a serious misdemeanor.
4. Subsections 1 through 3 do not apply to any of the following:
   1. A person who goes armed with a dangerous weapon in the person's own dwelling or place of business, or on land owned or possessed by the person.
   2. A peace officer, when the officer's duties require the person to carry such weapons, or as provided in section 724.6.
   3. A member of the armed forces of the United States or of the national guard or person in the service of the United States, when the weapons are carried in connection with the person's duties as such.
   4. A correctional officer, when the officer's duties require, serving under the authority of the Iowa department of corrections.
   5. A person who for any lawful purpose carries an unloaded pistol, revolver, or other dangerous weapon inside a closed and fastened container or securely wrapped package which is too large to be concealed on the person.
   6. A person who for any lawful purpose carries or transports an unloaded pistol or revolver in a vehicle inside a closed and fastened container or securely wrapped package which is too large to be concealed on the person or inside a cargo or luggage compartment where the pistol or revolver will not be readily accessible to any person riding in the vehicle or common carrier.
   7. A person while the person is lawfully engaged in target practice on a range designed for that purpose or while actually engaged in lawful hunting.
   8. A person who carries a knife used in hunting or fishing, while actually engaged in lawful hunting or fishing.
   9. A person who has in the person's possession and who displays to a peace officer on demand a valid permit to carry weapons which has been issued to the person, and whose conduct is within the limits of that permit. A person shall not be convicted of a violation of this section if the person produces at the person's trial a permit to carry weapons which was valid at the time of the alleged offense and which would have brought the person's conduct within this exception if the permit had been produced at the time of the alleged offense.
   10. A law enforcement officer from another state when the officer's duties require the officer to carry the weapon and the officer is in this state for any of the following reasons:
       1. The extradition or other lawful removal of a prisoner from this state.
       2. Pursuit of a suspect in compliance with chapter 806.
       3. Activities in the capacity of a law enforcement officer with the knowledge and consent of the chief of police of the city or the sheriff of the county in which the activities occur or of the commissioner of public safety.
   11. A person engaged in the business of transporting prisoners under a contract with the Iowa department of corrections or a county sheriff, a similar agency from another state, or the federal government.

[S13, §4775-1a, -3a, -4a, -7a, -11a; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §12936 - 12939; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, §695.2 - 695.5; C79, 81, §724.4; 2017, ch 69, § 6]

83 Acts, ch 7, §2; 83 Acts, ch 96, §123, 159; 87 Acts, ch 13, §5; 88 Acts, ch 1164, §4; 98 Acts, ch 1131, §3 Referred to in §232.52, 724.4B, 724.5

1. As used in this section, "weapons free zone" means the area in or on, or within one thousand feet of, the real property comprising a public or private elementary or secondary school, or in or on the real property comprising a public park. A weapons free zone shall not include that portion of a public park designated as a hunting area under section 461A.42.
2. Notwithstanding sections 902.9 and 903.1, a person who commits a public offense involving a firearm or offensive weapon, within a weapons free zone, in violation of this or any other chapter shall be subject to a fine of twice the maximum amount which may otherwise be imposed for the public offense.

94 Acts, ch 1172, §53

1. A person who goes armed with, carries, or transports a firearm of any kind, whether concealed or not, on the grounds of a school commits a class "D" felony. For the purposes of this section, "school" means a public or nonpublic school as defined in section 280.2.
2. Subsection 1 does not apply to the following:
   1. A person listed under section 724.4, subsection 4, paragraphs "b" through "f" or "j".
   2. A person who has been specifically authorized by the school to go armed with, carry, or transport a firearm on the school grounds, including for purposes of conducting an instructional program regarding firearms.
   3. A licensee under chapter 80A or an employee of such a licensee, while the licensee or employee is engaged in the performance of duties, and if the licensee or employee possesses a valid professional or nonprofessional permit to carry weapons issued pursuant to this chapter.

95 Acts, ch 191, §53 Referred to in §232.52; 2013 Acts, ch. 90, §207; 2017, ch 69, §7.

1. Except as provided in subsection 2, a person commits a serious misdemeanor if the person is intoxicated as provided under the conditions set out in section 321J.2, subsection 1, and the person does any of the following:
   1. Carries a dangerous weapon on or about the person.
   2. Carries a dangerous weapon within the person's immediate access or reach while in a vehicle.
2. This section shall not apply to any of the following:
   1. A person who carries or possesses a dangerous weapon while in the person's own dwelling, place of business, or on land owned or lawfully possessed by the person.
   2. The transitory possession or use of a dangerous weapon during an act of justified self=defense or justified defense of another, provided that the possession lasts no longer than is immediately necessary to resolve the emergency.

2010 Acts, ch 1178, §4, 19; 2017, ch 69, §8

1. A person armed with a revolver, pistol, or pocket billy concealed upon the person shall have in the person's immediate possession the permit provided for in section 724.4, subsection 4, paragraph "i", and shall produce the permit for inspection at the request of a peace officer. Failure to so produce a permit is a simple misdemeanor.
2. A person charged with a violation of subsection 1 who produces to the clerk of the district court prior to the date of the person's court appearance proof that the person possesses a valid permit to carry weapons which was valid at the time of the alleged offense, shall not be convicted of a violation of subsection 1 and the charge shall be dismissed by the court. Upon dismissal, the court shall assess the costs of the action against the person named on the indictment or information.

[S13, §4775-8a; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §12947; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, §695.15; C79, 81, §724.5]

90 Acts, ch 1168, §60; 2017, ch 69, §9

1. 1. A person may be issued a permit to carry weapons when the person's employment in a private investigation business or private security business licensed under chapter 80A, or a person's employment as a peace officer, correctional officer, security guard, bank messenger or other person transporting property of a value requiring security, or in police work, reasonably justifies that person going armed.
   2. The permit shall be on a form prescribed and published by the commissioner of public safety, shall identify the holder, and shall state the nature of the employment requiring the holder to go armed. A permit so issued, other than to a peace officer, shall authorize the person to whom it is issued to go armed anywhere in the state, only while engaged in the employment, and while going to and from the place of the employment.
   3. A permit issued to a certified peace officer shall authorize that peace officer to go armed anywhere in the state at all times, including on the grounds of a school.
   4. Permits shall expire twelve months after the date when issued except that permits issued to peace officers and correctional officers are valid through the officer's period of employment unless otherwise canceled. When the employment is terminated, the holder of the permit shall surrender it to the issuing officer for cancellation.
2. Notwithstanding subsection 1, fire fighters, as defined in section 411.1, subsection 10, airport fire fighters included under section 97B.49B, and emergency medical care providers, as defined in section 147A.1, shall not, as a condition of employment, be required to obtain a permit under this section. However, the provisions of this subsection shall not apply to a person designated as an arson investigator by the chief fire officer of a political subdivision.

[S13, §4775-4a, -7a; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §12939, 12943 - 12945; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, §695.5, 695.11 - 695.13; C79, 81, §724.6]

83 Acts, ch 7, §3; 84 Acts, ch 1235, §17; 93 Acts, ch 31, §1; 94 Acts, ch 1183, §87; 95 Acts, ch 41, §26; 98 Acts, ch 1183, §74; 2004 Acts, ch 1103, §58; 2010 Acts, ch 1149, §18 Referred to in §80A.13, 724.2A, 724.11; 2017, ch 69, §10

1. Any person who is not disqualified under section 724.8, who satisfies the training requirements of section 724.9, and who files an application in accordance with section 724.10 shall be issued a nonprofessional permit to carry weapons. Such permits shall be on a form prescribed and published by the commissioner of public safety, which shall be readily distinguishable from the professional permit, and shall identify the holder of the permit. Such permits shall not be issued for a particular weapon and shall not contain information about a particular weapon including the make, model, or serial number of the weapon or any ammunition used in that weapon. All permits so issued shall be for a period of five years and shall be valid throughout the state except where the possession or carrying of a firearm is prohibited by state or federal law.
2. The commissioner of public safety shall develop a process to allow service members deployed for military service to submit a renewal of a nonprofessional permit to carry weapons early and by mail. In addition, a permit issued to a service member who is deployed for military service, as defined in section 29A.1, subsection 3, 8, or 12, that would otherwise expire during the period of deployment shall remain valid for ninety days after the end of the service member's deployment.

[S13, §4775-3a; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §12938, 12945; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, §695.4, 695.13; C79, 81, §724.7]

2010 Acts, ch 1170, §6; 2010 Acts, ch 1178, §5, 19; 2011 Acts, ch 47, §12; 2012 Acts, ch 1072, §40 Referred to in §80A.13, 724.11

For transition provisions relating to permits issued under this chapter prior to January 1, 2011, see 2010 Acts, ch 1178, §18 Subsection 2 amended

No professional or nonprofessional permit to carry weapons shall be issued to a person who is subject to any of the following:

1. Is less than eighteen years of age for a professional permit or less than twenty-one years of age for a nonprofessional permit.
2. Is addicted to the use of alcohol.
3. Probable cause exists to believe, based upon documented specific actions of the person, where at least one of the actions occurred within two years immediately preceding the date of the permit application, that the person is likely to use a weapon unlawfully or in such other manner as would endanger the person's self or others.
4. Is subject to the provisions of section 724.26.
5. Has, within the previous three years, been convicted of any serious or aggravated misdemeanor defined in chapter 708 not involving the use of a firearm or explosive.
6. Is prohibited by federal law from shipping, transporting, possessing, or receiving a firearm.

[C79, 81, §724.8]

2010 Acts, ch 1178, §6, 19 Referred to in §80A.13, 724.7, 724.10, 724.11, 724.27

1. An applicant for an initial permit to carry weapons shall demonstrate knowledge of firearm safety by any of the following means:
   1. Completion of any national rifle association handgun safety training course.
   2. Completion of any handgun safety training course available to the general public offered by a law enforcement agency, community college, college, private or public institution or organization, or firearms training school, utilizing instructors certified by the national rifle association or the department of public safety or another state's department of public safety, state police department, or similar certifying body.
   3. Completion of any handgun safety training course offered for security guards, investigators, special deputies, or any division or subdivision of a law enforcement or security enforcement agency approved by the department of public safety.
   4. Completion of small arms training while serving with the armed forces of the United States.
   5. Completion of a law enforcement agency firearm safety training course that qualifies a peace officer to carry a firearm in the normal course of the peace officer's duties.
   6. Completion of a hunter education program approved by the natural resource commission pursuant to section 483A.27, if the program includes handgun safety training and completion of the handgun safety training is included on the certificate of completion.
2. The handgun safety training course required in subsection 1 may be conducted over the internet in a live or web=based format, if completion of the course is verified by the instructor or provider of the course.
3. Firearm safety training shall not be required for renewals of permits issued after December 31, 2010.
4. If firearm safety training is required under this section, evidence of such training may be documented by any of the following:
   1. A photocopy of a certificate of completion or any similar document indicating completion of any course or class identified in subsection 1 that was completed within twenty-four months prior to the date of the application.
   2. An affidavit from the instructor, school, organization, or group that conducted or taught a course or class identified in subsection 1 that was completed within twenty-four months prior to the date of the application attesting to the completion of the course or class by the applicant.
   3. An issuing officer shall not condition the issuance of a permit on training requirements that are not specified in or that exceed the requirements of this section.
   4. For personnel released or retired from active duty in the armed forces of the United States, possession of an honorable discharge or general discharge under honorable conditions issued any time prior to the date of the application.
   5. For personnel on active duty or serving in one of the national guard or reserve components of the armed forces of the United States, possession of a certificate of completion of basic training with a service record of successful completion of small arms training and qualification issued prior to the date of the application, or any other official documentation satisfactory to the issuing officer issued prior to the date of the application.
5. An issuing officer shall not condition the issuance of a permit on training requirements that are not specified in or that exceed the requirements of this section.
6. If an applicant applies after expiration of the time periods specified for renewal in section 724.11, firearm safety training shall not be required for a renewal permit under this section.

[C79, 81, §724.9]

2010 Acts, ch 1178, §7, 19 Referred to in §80A.13, 724.7, 724.10, 724.11; 2017, ch 69, §12

1. A person shall not be issued a permit to carry weapons unless the person has completed and signed an application on a form to be prescribed and published by the commissioner of public safety. The application shall require only the full name, driver's license or nonoperator's identification card number, residence, place of birth, and date of birth of the applicant, and shall state whether the applicant meets the criteria specified in sections 724.8 and 724.9. An applicant may provide the applicant's social security number if the applicant so chooses. The applicant shall also display an identification card that bears a distinguishing number assigned to the cardholder, the full name, date of birth, sex, residence address, and a brief description and colored photograph of the cardholder.
2. The issuing officer, upon receipt of an initial or renewal application under this section, shall immediately conduct a background check concerning each applicant by obtaining criminal history data from the department of public safety which shall include an inquiry of the national instant criminal background check system maintained by the federal bureau of investigation or any successor agency.
3. A person who makes what the person knows to be a false statement of material fact on an application submitted under this section or who submits what the person knows to be any materially falsified or forged documentation in connection with such an application commits a class "D" felony.

[S13, §4775-4a, -7a; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §12939, 12940; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, §695.5, 695.6; C79, 81, §724.10]

90 Acts, ch 1147, §1; 2002 Acts, ch 1055, §1; 2010 Acts, ch 1178, §8, 19; 2013 Acts, ch 30, §166

Referred to in §80A.13, 724.7, 724.11

1. Applications for permits to carry weapons shall be made to the sheriff of the county in which the applicant resides. Applications for professional permits to carry weapons for persons who are nonresidents of the state, or whose need to go armed arises out of employment by the state, shall be made to the commissioner of public safety. In either case, the sheriff or commissioner, before issuing the permit, shall determine that the requirements of sections 724.6 to 724.10 have been satisfied. A renewal applicant shall apply within thirty days prior to the expiration of the permit, or within thirty days after the expiration of the permit; otherwise the applicant shall be considered an applicant for an initial permit for purposes of renewal fees under subsection 3.
2. Neither the sheriff nor the commissioner shall require an applicant for a permit to carry weapons to provide information identifying a particular weapon in the application including the make, model, or serial number of the weapon or any ammunition used in that particular weapon.
3. The issuing officer shall collect a fee of fifty dollars for an initial permit, except from a duly appointed peace officer or correctional officer, for each permit issued. Renewal permits or duplicate permits shall be issued for a fee of twenty-five dollars, provided the application for such renewal permit is received by the issuing officer within thirty days prior to the expiration of the applicant's current permit or within thirty days after the expiration of the applicant's current permit. The issuing officer shall notify the commissioner of public safety of the issuance of any permit at least monthly and forward to the commissioner an amount equal to ten dollars for each permit issued and five dollars for each renewal or duplicate permit issued. All such fees received by the commissioner shall be paid to the treasurer of state and deposited in the operating account of the department of public safety to offset the cost of administering this chapter. Notwithstanding section 8.33, any unspent balance as of June 30 of each year shall not revert to the general fund of the state.
4. The sheriff or commissioner of public safety shall approve or deny an initial or renewal application submitted under this section within thirty days of receipt of the application. A person whose application for a permit under this chapter is denied may seek review of the denial under section 724.21A. The failure to approve or deny an initial or renewal application shall result in a decision of approval.
5. An initial or renewal permit shall have a uniform appearance, size, and content prescribed and published by the commissioner of public safety. The permit shall contain the name of the permittee and the effective date of the permit, but shall not contain the permittee's social security number. The permit shall also include a designation that the permit is invalid when the permittee is intoxicated. Such a permit shall not be issued for a particular weapon and shall not contain information about a particular weapon including the make, model, or serial number of the weapon, or any ammunition used in that weapon.

[S13, §4775-3a; C24, 27, §12941; C31, 35, §12941, 12941-c1, 12941-d1; C39, §12941, 12941.1, 12941.2; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, §695.7 - 695.9; C79, 81, §724.11; 2017, ch 69, §13, 14]

91 Acts, ch 207, §1; 97 Acts, ch 23, §78; 2010 Acts, ch 1178, §9, 19 Referred to in §80A.13, 724.2A, 724.15

A valid permit or license issued by another state to any nonresident of this state shall be considered to be a valid permit or license to carry weapons issued pursuant to this chapter, except that such permit or license shall not be considered to be a substitute for a permit to acquire pistols or revolvers issued pursuant to section 724.15.

2010 Acts, ch 1178, §10, 19; 2017 Acts, ch 69, §17

Permits to carry weapons shall be issued to a specific person only, and may not be transferred from one person to another.

[C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §12942; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, §695.10; C79, 81, §724.12]

1. An issuing officer who finds that a person issued a permit to carry weapons under this chapter has been arrested for a disqualifying offense or is the subject of proceedings that could lead to the person's ineligibility for such permit may immediately suspend such permit. An issuing officer proceeding under this section shall immediately notify the permit holder of the suspension by personal service or certified mail on a form prescribed and published by the commissioner of public safety and the suspension shall become effective upon the permit holder's receipt of such notice. If the suspension is based on an arrest or a proceeding that does not result in a disqualifying conviction or finding against the permit holder, the issuing officer shall immediately reinstate the permit upon receipt of proof of the matter's final disposition. If the arrest leads to a disqualifying conviction or the proceedings to a disqualifying finding, the issuing officer shall revoke the permit. The issuing officer may also revoke the permit of a person whom the issuing officer later finds was not qualified for such a permit at the time of issuance or who the officer finds provided materially false information on the permit application. A person aggrieved by a suspension or revocation under this section may seek review of the decision pursuant to section 724.21A.
2. The issuing officer may annually conduct a background check concerning a person issued a permit by obtaining criminal history data from the department of public safety.

[S13, §4775-6a; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §12946; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, §695.14; C79, 81, §724.13]

2010 Acts, ch 1178, §11, 19

If a permit holder of a nonprofessional permit to carry weapons changes residences from one county to another county after the issuance of the permit, the department of public safety shall by rule specify the procedure to transfer the regulation of the holder's permit to another sheriff for the purposes of issuing a renewal or duplicate permit, or complying with section 724.13.

2017 Acts, ch 69, §15

1. Any person who desires to acquire ownership of any pistol or revolver shall first obtain a permit. A permit shall be issued upon request to any resident of this state unless the person is subject to any of the following:
   1. Is less than twenty-one years of age.
   2. Is subject to the provisions of section 724.26.
   3. Is prohibited by federal law from shipping, transporting, possessing, or receiving a firearm.
2. Any person who acquires ownership of a pistol or revolver shall not be required to obtain a permit if any of the following apply:
   1. The person transferring the pistol or revolver and the person acquiring the pistol or revolver are licensed firearms dealers under federal law.
   2. The pistol or revolver acquired is an antique firearm, a collector's item, a device which is not designed or redesigned for use as a weapon, a device which is designed solely for use as a signaling, pyrotechnic, line-throwing, safety, or similar device, or a firearm which is unserviceable by reason of being unable to discharge a shot by means of an explosive and is incapable of being readily restored to a firing condition.
   3. The person acquiring the pistol or revolver is authorized to do so on behalf of a law enforcement agency.
   4. The person has obtained a valid permit to carry weapons, as provided in section 724.11.
   5. The person transferring the pistol or revolver and the person acquiring the pistol or revolver are related to one another within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity unless the person transferring the pistol or revolver knows that the person acquiring the pistol or revolver would be disqualified from obtaining a permit.
3. The permit to acquire pistols or revolvers shall authorize the permit holder to acquire one or more pistols or revolvers during the period that the permit remains valid. If the issuing officer determines that the applicant has become disqualified under the provisions of subsection 1, the issuing officer may immediately revoke the permit and shall provide a written statement of the reasons for revocation, and the applicant shall have the right to appeal the revocation as provided in section 724.21A.
4. An issuing officer who finds that a person issued a permit to acquire pistols or revolvers under this chapter has been arrested for a disqualifying offense or who is the subject of proceedings that could lead to the person's ineligibility for such permit may immediately suspend such permit. An issuing officer proceeding under this subsection shall immediately notify the permit holder of the suspension by personal service or certified mail on a form prescribed and published by the commissioner of public safety and the suspension shall become effective upon the permit holder's receipt of such notice. If the suspension is based on an arrest or a proceeding that does not result in a disqualifying conviction or finding against the permit holder, the issuing officer shall immediately reinstate the permit upon receipt of proof of the matter's final disposition. If the arrest leads to a disqualifying conviction or the proceedings to a disqualifying finding, the issuing officer shall revoke the permit. The issuing officer may also revoke the permit of a person whom the issuing officer later finds was not qualified for such a permit at the time of issuance or who the officer finds provided materially false information on the permit application. A person aggrieved by a suspension or revocation under this subsection may seek review of the decision pursuant to section 724.21A.

[C79, 81, §724.15]

90 Acts, ch 1147, §2, 3; 2010 Acts, ch 1178, §12, 19 Referred to in §724.11A, 724.16, 724.19, 724.27; 2017, ch 69, §18, 19, 20

For transition provisions relating to permits issued under this chapter prior to January 1, 2011, see 2010 Acts, ch 1178, §18

1. Except as otherwise provided in section 724.15, subsection 2, a person who acquires ownership of a pistol or revolver without a valid permit to acquire pistols or revolvers or a person who transfers ownership of a pistol or revolver to a person who does not have in the person's possession a valid permit to acquire pistols or revolvers is guilty of an aggravated misdemeanor.
2. A person who transfers ownership of a pistol or revolver to a person that the transferor knows is prohibited by section 724.15 from acquiring ownership of a pistol or revolver commits a class "D" felony.

[C79, 81, §724.16]

90 Acts, ch 1147, §4; 94 Acts, ch 1172, §54; 2017, ch 69, §21

1. A person who knowingly transfers or acquires possession, or who facilitates the transfer, of a stolen firearm commits:
   1. A class "D" felony for a first offense.
   2. A class "C" felony for second and subsequent offenses or if the weapon is used in the commission of a public offense.
2. However, this section shall not apply to a person purchasing stolen firearms through a buy-back program sponsored by a law enforcement agency if the firearms are returned to their rightful owners or destroyed.

94 Acts, ch 1172, §55; 97 Acts, ch 119, §1, 3, 4

Section affirmed and reenacted effective May 6, 1997; legislative findings; 97 Acts, ch 119, §1, 3, 4; 2013 Acts, ch. 90, §235.

1. The application for a permit to acquire pistols or revolvers may be made to the sheriff of the county of the applicant's residence and shall be on a form prescribed and published by the commissioner of public safety. The application shall require only the full name of the applicant, the driver's license or nonoperator's identification card number of the applicant, the residence of the applicant, and the date and place of birth of the applicant. The applicant shall also display an identification card that bears a distinguishing number assigned to the cardholder, the full name, date of birth, sex, residence address, and brief description and color photograph of the cardholder, or other identification as specified by rule of the department of public safety. The sheriff shall conduct a criminal history check concerning each applicant by obtaining criminal history data from the department of public safety which shall include an inquiry of the national instant criminal background check system maintained by the federal bureau of investigation or any successor agency. A person who makes what the person knows to be a false statement of material fact on an application submitted under this section or who submits what the person knows to be any materially falsified or forged documentation in connection with such an application commits a class "D" felony.
2. An issuing officer may conduct an annual criminal history check concerning a person issued a permit to acquire by obtaining criminal history data from the department of public safety.

[C79, 81, §724.17; 2017, ch 69, §22]

90 Acts, ch 1147, §5; 2002 Acts, ch 1055, §2; 2010 Acts, ch 1178, §13, 19; 2013 Acts, ch 30, §167; 2016 ch 1011 § 117

A person may personally request the sheriff to mail an application for a permit to acquire pistols or revolvers, and the sheriff shall immediately forward to such person an application for a permit to acquire pistols or revolvers. A person shall upon completion of the application personally deliver such application to the sheriff who shall note the period of validity on the application and shall immediately issue the permit to acquire pistols or revolvers to the applicant. For the purposes of this section the date of application shall be the date on which the sheriff received the completed application.

[C79, 81, §724.18; 2017, ch 69, §23]

The permit to acquire pistols or revolvers shall be issued to the applicant immediately upon completion of the application unless the applicant is disqualified under the provisions of section 724.15. The permit shall have a uniform appearance, size, and content prescribed and published by the commissioner of public safety. The permit shall contain the name of the permittee and the effective date of the permit, but shall not contain the permittee's social security number. Such a permit shall not be issued for a particular pistol or revolver and shall not contain information about a particular pistol or revolver including the make, model, or serial number of the pistol or revolver, or any ammunition used in that pistol or revolver.

[C79, 81, §724.19; 2017, ch 69, §24]

2002 Acts, ch 1055, §3

The permit shall be valid throughout the state and shall be valid three days after the date of application and shall be invalid five years after the date of issuance.

[C79, 81, §724.20; 2017, ch 69, §25]

A person who gives a false name or presents false identification, or otherwise knowingly gives false material information to one from whom the person seeks to acquire a pistol or revolver, commits a class "D" felony.

[S13, §4775-10a; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §12955; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, §695.23; C79, 81, §724.21]

90 Acts, ch 1147, §6

1. In any case where the sheriff or the commissioner of public safety denies an application for or suspends or revokes a permit to carry weapons or a permit to acquire pistols or revolvers, the sheriff or commissioner shall provide a written statement of the reasons for the denial, suspension, or revocation and the applicant or permit holder shall have the right to appeal the denial, suspension, or revocation to an administrative law judge in the department of inspections and appeals within thirty days of receiving written notice of the denial, suspension, or revocation.
2. The applicant or permit holder may file an appeal with an administrative law judge by filing a copy of the denial, suspension, or revocation notice with a written statement that clearly states the applicant's reasons rebutting the denial, suspension, or revocation along with a fee of ten dollars. Additional supporting information relevant to the proceedings may also be included.
3. The administrative law judge shall, within forty-five days of receipt of the request for an appeal, set a hearing date. The hearing may be held by telephone or video conference at the discretion of the administrative law judge. The administrative law judge shall receive witness testimony and other evidence relevant to the proceedings at the hearing. The hearing shall be conducted pursuant to chapter 17A.
4. Upon conclusion of the hearing, the administrative law judge shall order that the denial, suspension, or revocation of the permit be either rescinded or sustained. An applicant, permit holder, or issuing officer aggrieved by the final judgment of the administrative law judge shall have the right to judicial review in accordance with the terms of the Iowa administrative procedure Act, chapter 17A.
5. The standard of review under this section shall be clear and convincing evidence that the issuing officer's written statement of the reasons for the denial, suspension, or revocation constituted probable cause to deny an application or to suspend or revoke a permit.
6. The department of inspections and appeals shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 17A as necessary to carry out the provisions of this section.
7. In any case where the issuing officer denies an application for, or suspends or revokes a permit to carry weapons or a permit to acquire pistols or revolvers solely because of an adverse determination by the national instant criminal background check system, the applicant or permit holder shall not seek relief under this section but may pursue relief of the national instant criminal background check system determination pursuant to Pub. L. No. 103-159, sections 103(f) and (g) and 104 and 28 C.F.R. §25.10, or other applicable law. The outcome of such proceedings shall be binding on the issuing officer.
8. If an applicant or permit holder appeals the decision by the sheriff or commissioner to deny an application, or suspend or revoke a permit to carry weapons or a permit to acquire pistols or revolvers, and it is later determined the applicant or permit holder is eligible to be issued or possess such a permit, the applicant or permit holder shall be awarded court costs and reasonable attorney fees. If the decision of the sheriff or commissioner to deny the application, or suspend or revoke the permit is upheld on appeal, the political subdivision of the state representing the sheriff or the commissioner shall be awarded court costs and reasonable attorney fees.
9. If an applicant or permit holder appeals the decision by the sheriff or commissioner to deny an application for or suspend or revoke a permit to carry weapons or a permit to acquire pistols or revolvers, and it is later determined on appeal the applicant or permit holder is eligible to be issued or possess a permit to carry weapons or a permit to acquire pistols or revolvers, the applicant or permit holder shall be awarded court costs and reasonable attorney fees. If the decision of the sheriff or commissioner to deny an application for or suspend or revoke a permit to carry weapons or a permit to acquire pistols or revolvers is upheld on appeal, or the applicant or permit holder withdraws or dismisses the appeal, the political subdivision of the state representing the sheriff or the state department representing the commissioner shall be awarded court costs and reasonable attorney fees.

2010 Acts, ch 1178, §14, 19; 2017, ch 69, §16, 26, 27

Referred to in §724.11, 724.13, 724.15

1. Except as provided in subsection 3, a person who sells, loans, gives, or makes available a rifle or shotgun or ammunition for a rifle or shotgun to a minor commits a serious misdemeanor for a first offense and a class "D" felony for second and subsequent offenses.
2. Except as provided in subsections 4 and 5, a person who sells, loans, gives, or makes available a pistol or revolver or ammunition for a pistol or revolver to a person below the age of twenty-one commits a serious misdemeanor for a first offense and a class "D" felony for second and subsequent offenses.
3. A parent, guardian, spouse who is eighteen years of age or older, or another with the express consent of the minor's parent or guardian or spouse who is eighteen years of age or older may allow a minor to possess a rifle or shotgun or the ammunition therefor which may be lawfully used.
4. A person eighteen, nineteen, or twenty years of age may possess a firearm and the ammunition therefor while on military duty or while a peace officer, security guard or correctional officer, when such duty requires the possession of such a weapon or while the person receives instruction in the proper use thereof from an instructor who is twenty-one years of age or older.
5. 1. A parent or guardian or spouse who is twenty-one years of age or older, of a person under the age of twenty-one may allow the person, while under direct supervision, to possess a pistol or revolver or the ammunition therefor for any lawful purpose, or while the person receives instruction in the proper use thereof from an instructor twenty-one years of age or older, with the consent of such parent, guardian or spouse.
   2. As used in this section, "direct supervision" means supervision provided by the parent, guardian, spouse, or instructor who is twenty=one years of age or older, who maintains a physical presence near the supervised person conducive to hands=on instruction, who maintains visual and verbal contact at all times with the supervised person, and who is not intoxicated as provided under the conditions set out in section 321J.2, subsection 1, or under the influence of an illegal drug.
6. For the purposes of this section, caliber.22 rimfire ammunition shall be deemed to be rifle ammunition.
7. It shall be unlawful for any person to store or leave a loaded firearm which is not secured by a trigger lock mechanism, placed in a securely locked box or container, or placed in some other location which a reasonable person would believe to be secure from a minor under the age of fourteen years, if such person knows or has reason to believe that a minor under the age of fourteen years is likely to gain access to the firearm without the lawful permission of the minor's parent, guardian, or person having charge of the minor, the minor lawfully gains access to the firearm without the consent of the minor's parent, guardian, or person having charge of the minor, and the minor exhibits the firearm in a public place in an unlawful manner, or uses the firearm unlawfully to cause injury or death to a person. This subsection does not apply if the minor obtains the firearm as a result of an unlawful entry by any person. A violation of this subsection is punishable as a serious misdemeanor.
8. A parent, guardian, or spouse who is twenty-one years of age or older, of a minor under the age of fourteen years who allows that minor to possess a pistol or revolver or the ammunition pursuant hereto, shall be strictly liable to an injured party for all damages resulting from the possession of the pistol or revolver or ammunition therefor by that minor.
9. A parent, guardian, spouse, or instructor, who knowingly provides direct supervision under subsection 5, of a person while intoxicated as provided under the conditions set out in section 321J.2, subsection 1, or under the influence of an illegal drug, commits child endangerment in violation of section 726.6, subsection 1, paragraph "i".

[C97, §5004; C24, 27, 31, 35, 39, §12958; C46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 71, 73, 75, 77, §695.26; C79, 81, §724.22]

90 Acts, ch 1147, §7; 94 Acts, ch 1023, §119; 94 Acts, ch 1172, §56; 2017, ch 69, §28.

1. The commissioner of public safety shall maintain a permanent record of all valid permits to carry weapons and of current permit revocations.
2. 1. Notwithstanding any other law or rule to the contrary, the commissioner of public safety and any issuing officer shall keep confidential personally identifiable information of holders of professional or nonprofessional permits to carry weapons and permits to acquire pistols or revolvers, including but not limited to the name, social security number, date of birth, residential or business address, and driver's license or other identification number of the applicant or permit holder.
   2. This subsection shall not prohibit the release of statistical information relating to the issuance, denial, revocation, or administration of professional or nonprofessional permits to carry weapons and permits to acquire pistols or revolvers, provided that the release of such information does not reveal the identity of any individual permit holder.
   3. This subsection shall not prohibit the release of information to a criminal or juvenile justice agency as defined in section 692.1 for the performance of any lawfully authorized duty or for conducting a lawfully authorized background investigation.
   4. This subsection shall not prohibit the release of information relating to the validity of a professional permit to carry weapons to an employer who requires an employee or an agent of the employer to possess a professional permit to carry weapons as part of the duties of the employee or agent.
   5. Except as provided in paragraphs "b", "c", and "d", the release of any confidential information under this section shall require a court order or the consent of the person whose personally identifiable information is the subject of the information request.

[C79, 81, §724.23]

83 Acts, ch 7, §4; 2017, ch 69, §31

1. As used in section 724.26, the word "felony" means any offense punishable in the jurisdiction where it occurred by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, but does not include any offense, other than an offense involving a firearm or explosive, classified as a misdemeanor under the laws of the state and punishable by a term of imprisonment of two years or less.
2. As used in this chapter an "antique firearm" means any firearm including any firearm with a matchlock, flintlock, percussion cap, or similar type of ignition system manufactured in or before 1898. An antique firearm also means a replica of a firearm so described if the replica is not designed or redesigned for using rimfire or conventional centerfire fixed ammunition or if the replica uses rimfire or conventional centerfire fixed ammunition which is no longer manufactured in the United States and which is not readily available in the ordinary channels of commercial trade.

[C79, 81, §724.25]

86 Acts, ch 1065, §1; 2010 Acts, ch 1178, §15, 19; 2016 ch 1011 § 118

1. A person who is convicted of a felony in a state or federal court, or who is adjudicated delinquent on the basis of conduct that would constitute a felony if committed by an adult, and who knowingly has under the person's dominion and control or possession, receives, or transports or causes to be transported a firearm or offensive weapon is guilty of a class "D" felony.
2. 1. Except as provided in paragraph "b", a person who is subject to a protective order under 18 U.S.C. §922(g)(8) or who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence under 18 U.S.C. §922(g)(9) and who knowingly possesses, ships, transports, or receives a firearm, offensive weapon, or ammunition is guilty of a class "D" felony.
   2. This subsection shall not apply to the possession, shipment, transportation, or receipt of a firearm, offensive weapon, or ammunition issued by a state department or agency or political subdivision for use in the performance of the official duties of the person who is the subject of a protective order under 18 U.S.C. §922(g)(8).
   3. For purposes of this section, "misdemeanor crime of domestic violence" means an assault under section 708.1, subsection 2, paragraph "a" or "c", committed by a current or former spouse, parent, or guardian of the victim, by a person with whom the victim shares a child in common, by a person who is cohabiting with or has cohabited with the victim as a spouse, parent, or guardian, or by a person similarly situated to a spouse, parent, or guardian of the victim.
3. Upon the issuance of a protective order or entry of a judgment of conviction described in subsection 2, the court shall inform the person who is the subject of such order or conviction that the person shall not possess, ship, transport, or receive a firearm, offensive weapon, or ammunition while such order is in effect or until such conviction is vacated or until the person's rights have been restored in accordance with section 724.27.
4. Except as provided in section 809A.17, subsection 5, paragraph "b", a court that issues an order or that enters a judgment of conviction described in subsection 2 and that finds the subject of the order or conviction to be in possession of any firearm, offensive weapon, or ammunition shall order that such firearm, offensive weapon, or ammunition be sold or transferred by a date certain to the custody of a qualified person in this state, as determined by the court. The qualified person must be able to lawfully possess such firearm, offensive weapon, or ammunition in this state. If the court is unable to identify a qualified person to receive such firearm, offensive weapon, or ammunition, the court shall order that the firearm, offensive weapon, or ammunition be transferred by a date certain to the county sheriff or a local law enforcement agency designated by the court for safekeeping until a qualified person is identified to receive the firearm, offensive weapon, or ammunition, until such order is no longer in effect, until such conviction is vacated, or until the person's rights have been restored in accordance with section 724.27. If the firearm, offensive weapon, or ammunition is to be transferred to the sheriff's office or a local law enforcement agency, the court shall assess the person the reasonable cost of storing the firearm, offensive weapon, or ammunition, payable to the county sheriff or the local law enforcement agency.
5. Upon entry of an order described in subsection 2, the court shall enter the name, address, date of birth, driver's license number, or other identifying information of the person subject to the order into the Iowa criminal justice information system, the reason for the order, and the date by which the person is required to comply with any relinquishment order issued under subsection 4. At the time such order is no longer in effect, such information relating to the prohibition in subsection 3 shall be deleted from the Iowa criminal justice information system.
6. If a firearm, offensive weapon, or ammunition has been transferred to a qualified person pursuant to subsection 4 and the protective order described in subsection 2 is no longer in effect, the firearm, offensive weapon, or ammunition shall be returned to the person who was subject to the protective order within five days of that person's request to have the firearm, offensive weapon, or ammunition returned.

[C79, 81, §724.26]

90 Acts, ch 1147, §8; 97 Acts, ch 126, §47; 2002 Acts, ch 1055, §4; 2002 Acts, ch 1175, §94; 2002 Acts, 2nd Ex, ch 1003, §243, 262; 2010 Acts, ch 1083, §4; 2013 Acts, ch. 90, §254.

Referred to in §236.5, 724.8, 724.15, 724.25, 724.27

Exception; see §724.27

1. The provisions of section 724.8, section 724.15, subsection 1, and section 724.26 shall not apply to a person who is eligible to have the person's civil rights regarding firearms restored under section 914.7 if any of the following occur:
   1. The person is pardoned by the President of the United States or the chief executive of a state for a disqualifying conviction.
   2. The person's civil rights have been restored after a disqualifying conviction, commitment, or adjudication.
   3. The person's conviction for a disqualifying offense has been expunged.
2. Subsection 1 shall not apply to a person whose pardon, restoration of civil rights, or expungement of conviction expressly forbids the person to receive, transport, or possess firearms or destructive devices.

[C79, 81, §724.27]

94 Acts, ch 1172, §57; 2010 Acts, ch 1178, §16, 19 Referred to in §724.26

1. As used in this section, "political subdivision of the state" means a city, county, or township.
2. A political subdivision of the state shall not enact an ordinance, motion, resolution, policy, or amendment regulating the ownership, possession, legal transfer, lawful transportation, modification, registration, or licensing of firearms, firearms attachments, or other weapons when the ownership, possession, transfer, or transportation, or modification is otherwise lawful under the laws of this state. An ordinance regulating firearms, firearms attachments, or other weapons in violation of this section existing on or after April 5, 1990, is void.
3. If a political subdivision of the state, prior to, on, or after July 1, 2020, adopts, makes, enacts, or amends any ordinance, measure, enactment, rule, resolution, motion, or policy regulating the ownership, possession, legal transfer, lawful transportation, registration, licensing of firearms, firearms attachments, or other weapons is otherwise lawful under the laws of this state, a person adversely affected by the ordinance, measure, enactment, rule, resolution, motion, or policy may file suit in the appropriate court for declaratory and injunctive relief and all damages attributable to the violation. A court shall also award the prevailing party in any such lawsuit reasonable attorney fees and court costs.
4. A political subdivision of the state may restrict the carrying, possession, or transportation of firearms or other dangerous weapons in the buildings or physical structures located on property under the political subdivision’s control if adequate arrangements are made by the political subdivision to screen persons for firearms or other dangerous weapons and the political subdivision provides armed security personnel inside the building or physical structure where the restriction is to be in effect.
5. A political subdivision of the state shall not enact an ordinance, motion, resolution, policy, or amendment regulating the storage of weapons or ammunition. An ordinance, motion, resolution, policy, or amendment regulating the storage of weapons or ammunition existing on or after July 1, 2020, is void. This subsection shall not be construed to preclude a political subdivision from regulating the storage of explosive materials consistent with chapter 101A.

90 Acts, ch 1147, §9; 2017, ch 69, §32, Amended 2020 HF2502 § 3 & § 4

A person who sells or offers for sale a manual or power-driven trigger activating device constructed and designed so that when attached to a firearm increases the rate of fire of the firearm is guilty of an aggravated misdemeanor.

90 Acts, ch 1147, §10

1. For purposes of this section:
   1. "Ammunition" means any cartridge, shell, or projectile designed for use in a firearm
   2. "Licensed firearms dealer" means a person who is licensed pursuant to 18 U.S.C. {923 to engage in the business of dealing in firearms.
   3. "Materially false information" means information that portrays an illegal transaction as legal or a legal transaction as illegal.
   4. "Private seller" means a person who sells or offers for sale any firearm or ammunition.
2. A person who knowingly solicits, persuades, encourages, or entices a licensed firearms dealer or private seller of firearms or ammunition to transfer a firearm or ammunition under circumstances that the person knows would violate the laws of this state or of the United States commits a class "D" felony.
3. A person who knowingly provides materially false information to a licensed firearms dealer or private seller of firearms or ammunition with the intent to deceive the firearms dealer or seller about the legality of a transfer of a firearm or ammunition commits a class "D" felony.
4. A person who willfully procures another to engage in conduct prohibited by this section shall be held accountable as a principal.
5. This section does not apply to a law enforcement officer acting in the officer's official capacity or to a person acting under the direction of such law enforcement officer.

[2017, ch 69, §45]

A person who intentionally discharges a firearm in a reckless manner commits the following:

1. A class "C" felony if a serious injury occurs.
2. A class "D" felony if a bodily injury which is not a serious injury occurs.
3. An aggravated misdemeanor if property damage occurs without a serious injury or bodily injury occurring.
4. A simple misdemeanor if no injury to a person or damage to property occurs.

94 Acts, ch 1172, §58

1. When a court issues an order or judgment under the laws of this state by which a person becomes subject to the provisions of 18 U.S.C. §922(d)(4) and (g)(4), the clerk of the district court shall forward only such information as is necessary to identify the person to the department of public safety, which in turn shall forward the information to the federal bureau of investigation or its successor agency for the sole purpose of inclusion in the national instant criminal background check system database. The clerk of the district court shall also notify the person of the prohibitions imposed under 18 U.S.C. §922(d)(4) and (g)(4).
2. A person who is subject to the disabilities imposed by 18 U.S.C. §922(d)(4) and (g)(4) because of an order or judgment that occurred under the laws of this state may petition the court that issued the order or judgment or the court in the county where the person resides for relief from the disabilities imposed under 18 U.S.C. §922(d)(4) and (g)(4). A copy of the petition shall also be served on the director of human services and the county attorney at the county attorney's office of the county in which the original order occurred, and the director or the county attorney may appear, support, object to, and present evidence relevant to the relief sought by the petitioner.
3. The court shall receive and consider evidence in a closed proceeding, including evidence offered by the petitioner, concerning all of the following:
   1. The circumstances surrounding the original issuance of the order or judgment that resulted in the firearm disabilities imposed by 18 U.S.C. §922(d)(4) and (g)(4).
   2. The petitioner's record, which shall include, at a minimum, the petitioner's mental health records and criminal history records, if any.
   3. The petitioner's reputation, developed, at a minimum, through character witness statements, testimony, and other character evidence.
   4. Any changes in the petitioner's condition or circumstances since the issuance of the original order or judgment that are relevant to the relief sought.
4. The court shall grant a petition for relief filed pursuant to subsection 2 if the court finds by a preponderance of the evidence that the petitioner will not be likely to act in a manner dangerous to the public safety and that the granting of the relief would not be contrary to the public interest. A record shall be kept of the proceedings, but the record shall remain confidential and shall be disclosed only to a court in the event of an appeal. The petitioner may appeal a denial of the requested relief, and review on appeal shall be de novo. A person may file a petition for relief under subsection 2 not more than once every two years.
5. If a court issues an order granting a petition for relief filed pursuant to subsection 2, the clerk of the court shall immediately notify the department of public safety of the order granting relief under this section. The department of public safety shall, as soon thereafter as is practicable but not later than ten business days thereafter, update, correct, modify, or remove the petitioner's record in any database that the department of public safety makes available to the national instant criminal background check system and shall notify the United States department of justice that the basis for such record being made available no longer applies.

2010 Acts, ch 1178, §17, 19; 2011 Acts, ch 72, §1 - 3

Referred to in §229.24, 602.8102(125A)

2011 amendment takes effect April 19, 2011, and also applies to information in an order or judgment specified in subsection 2 issued prior to that date which is determined necessary to identify a person subject to such order or judgment, if such order or judgment is available electronically in the Iowa court information system; department of public safety to notify Code editor upon fulfillment of requirements; 2011 Acts, ch 72, §2, 3; Code editor notified by department of public safety that as of May 7, 2012, information relating to orders or judgments issued prior to April 19, 2011, was not transmitted to the department, and the retroactive reporting requirement imposed by 2011 Acts, ch 72, §3, has not been fulfilled

A supreme court or judicial branch order that prohibits a person from lawfully carrying, possessing, or transporting a weapon in a county courthouse or other joint-use public facility shall be unenforceable unless the judicial order applies only to a courtroom or a court office, or to a courthouse used only for judicial branch functions.

Enacted 2020 HF2502 § 5

Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, a person who has been convicted of a forcible felony, a felony violation of chapter 124 involving a firearm, or a felony violation of chapter 724 shall not have the person's rights of citizenship restored to the extent of allowing the person to receive, transport, or possess firearms.

Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter, a person seventeen years of age or younger who commits a public offense involving a firearm which is an aggravated misdemeanor against a person or a felony shall not have the person's rights of citizenship restored to the extent of allowing the person to receive, transport, or possess firearms.

89 Acts, ch 316, §21
CS89, §248A.7
C93, §914.7
94 Acts, ch 1172, §64
Referred to in §724.27