Senate File 425 - Introduced




                                 SENATE FILE       
                                 BY  COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY

                                 (SUCCESSOR TO SSB
                                     1251)

                                      A BILL FOR

  1 An Act relating to the possession, manufacture, acquisition,
  2    and sale of firearms and suppressors, providing penalties,
  3    and including effective date and applicability provisions.
  4 BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:
    TLSB 1099SV (3) 86
    jm/rj

PAG LIN



  1  1    Section 1.  Section 724.1, subsection 1, paragraph h, Code
  1  2 2015, is amended by striking the paragraph.
  1  3    Sec. 2.  NEW SECTION.  724.1A  Firearm suppressors ====
  1  4 certification.
  1  5    1.  As used in this section, unless the context otherwise
  1  6 requires:
  1  7    a.  "Certification" means the participation and assent of
  1  8 the chief law enforcement officer of the jurisdiction where the
  1  9 applicant resides or maintains an address of record, that is
  1 10 necessary under federal law for the approval of an application
  1 11 to make or transfer a firearm suppressor.
  1 12    b.  "Chief law enforcement officer" means the county sheriff,
  1 13 chief of police, or the designee of such official, that the
  1 14 federal bureau of alcohol, tobacco, firearms and explosives,
  1 15 or any successor agency, has identified by regulation or has
  1 16 determined is otherwise eligible to provide any required
  1 17 certification for making or transferring a firearm suppressor.
  1 18    c.  "Firearm suppressor" means a mechanical device
  1 19 specifically constructed and designed so that when attached to
  1 20 a firearm silences, muffles, or suppresses the sound when fired
  1 21 that is considered a "firearm silencer" or "firearm muffler" as
  1 22 defined in 18 U.S.C. {921.
  1 23    2.  a.  A chief law enforcement officer is not required
  1 24 to make any certification under this section the chief law
  1 25 enforcement officer knows to be false, but the chief law
  1 26 enforcement officer shall not refuse, based on a generalized
  1 27 objection, to issue a certification to make or transfer a
  1 28 firearm suppressor.
  1 29    b.  When the certification of the chief law enforcement
  1 30 officer is required by federal law or regulation for making or
  1 31 transferring a firearm suppressor, the chief law enforcement
  1 32 officer shall, within thirty days of receipt of a request for
  1 33 certification, issue such certification if the applicant is
  1 34 not prohibited by law from making or transferring a firearm
  1 35 suppressor or is not the subject of a proceeding that could
  2  1 result in the applicant being prohibited by law from making
  2  2 or transferring the firearm suppressor.  If the chief law
  2  3 enforcement officer does not issue a certification as required
  2  4 by this section, the chief law enforcement officer shall
  2  5 provide the applicant with a written notification of the denial
  2  6 and the reason for the denial.
  2  7    3.  An applicant whose request for certification is denied
  2  8 may appeal the decision of the chief law enforcement officer
  2  9 to the district court for the county in which the applicant
  2 10 resides or maintains an address of record.  The court shall
  2 11 review the decision of the chief law enforcement officer to
  2 12 deny the certification de novo.  If the court finds that the
  2 13 applicant is not prohibited by law from making or transferring
  2 14 the firearm suppressor, or is not the subject of a proceeding
  2 15 that could result in such prohibition, or that no substantial
  2 16 evidence supports the decision of the chief law enforcement
  2 17 officer, the court shall order the chief law enforcement
  2 18 officer to issue the certification and award court costs and
  2 19 reasonable attorney fees to the applicant. If the court
  2 20 determines the applicant is not eligible to be issued a
  2 21 certification, the court shall award court costs and reasonable
  2 22 attorney fees to the political subdivision of the state
  2 23 representing the chief law enforcement officer.
  2 24    4.  In making a determination about whether to issue a
  2 25 certification under subsection 2, a chief law enforcement
  2 26 officer may conduct a criminal background check, but shall
  2 27 only require the applicant provide as much information as is
  2 28 necessary to identify the applicant for this purpose or to
  2 29 determine the disposition of an arrest or proceeding relevant
  2 30 to the eligibility of the applicant to lawfully possess or
  2 31 receive a firearm suppressor. A chief law enforcement officer
  2 32 shall not require access to or consent to inspect any private
  2 33 premises as a condition of providing a certification under this
  2 34 section.
  2 35    5.  A chief law enforcement officer and employees of the
  3  1 chief law enforcement officer who act in good faith are immune
  3  2 from liability arising from any act or omission in making a
  3  3 certification as required by this section.
  3  4    Sec. 3.  NEW SECTION.  724.1B  Firearm suppressors == penalty.
  3  5    1.  A person shall not possess a firearm suppressor in this
  3  6 state unless authorized by federal law.
  3  7    2.  A person who possesses a firearm suppressor in violation
  3  8 of subsection 1 commits a class "D" felony.
  3  9    Sec. 4.  Section 724.4, subsection 4, paragraph i, Code 2015,
  3 10 is amended to read as follows:
  3 11    i.  (1)  A person who has in the person's immediate
  3 12  possession and who displays to a peace officer on demand a
  3 13 valid permit to carry weapons which has been issued to the
  3 14 person, and whose conduct is within the limits of that permit.
  3 15 A peace officer shall verify through electronic means, if
  3 16 possible, the validity of the person's permit to carry weapons.
  3 17    (2)  A person commits a simple misdemeanor punishable as
  3 18 a scheduled violation pursuant to section 805.8C, subsection
  3 19 11, if the person does not have in the person's immediate
  3 20 possession a valid permit to carry weapons which has been
  3 21 issued to the person.
  3 22    (3)  A Except as provided subparagraph (2), a person shall
  3 23 not be convicted of a violation of this section if the person
  3 24 produces at the person's trial a permit to carry weapons which
  3 25 was valid at the time of the alleged offense and which would
  3 26 have brought the person's conduct within this exception if the
  3 27 permit had been produced at the time of the alleged offense.
  3 28    Sec. 5.  Section 724.4B, subsection 2, paragraph a, Code
  3 29 2015, is amended to read as follows:
  3 30    a.  A person listed under section 724.4, subsection 4,
  3 31 paragraphs "b" through "f" or "j", or a certified peace officer
  3 32 as specified in section 724.6, subsection 1.
  3 33    Sec. 6.  Section 724.5, Code 2015, is amended to read as
  3 34 follows:
  3 35    724.5  Duty to carry or verify permit to carry weapons.
  4  1    1.  A person armed with a revolver, pistol, or pocket billy
  4  2 concealed upon the person shall have in the person's immediate
  4  3 possession the permit provided for in section 724.4, subsection
  4  4 4, paragraph "i", and shall produce the permit for inspection at
  4  5 the request of a peace officer.
  4  6    2.  A peace officer shall verify through electronic means, if
  4  7 possible, the validity of the person's permit to carry weapons.
  4  8    3.  Failure to so produce a permit is a simple misdemeanor,
  4  9 punishable as a scheduled violation pursuant to section 805.8C,
  4 10 subsection 12.
  4 11    Sec. 7.  Section 724.6, subsection 1, Code 2015, is amended
  4 12 to read as follows:
  4 13    1.  A person may be issued a permit to carry weapons when
  4 14 the person's employment in a private investigation business
  4 15 or private security business licensed under chapter 80A, or a
  4 16 person's employment as a peace officer, correctional officer,
  4 17 security guard, bank messenger or other person transporting
  4 18 property of a value requiring security, or in police work,
  4 19 reasonably justifies that person going armed. The permit shall
  4 20 be on a form prescribed and published by the commissioner of
  4 21 public safety, shall identify the holder, and shall state
  4 22 the nature of the employment requiring the holder to go
  4 23 armed. A permit so issued, other than to a peace officer,
  4 24 shall authorize the person to whom it is issued to go armed
  4 25 anywhere in the state, only while engaged in the employment,
  4 26 and while going to and from the place of the employment. A
  4 27 permit issued to a certified peace officer shall authorize that
  4 28 peace officer to go armed anywhere in the state, including a
  4 29 school as provided in section 724.4B, at all times. Permits
  4 30 shall expire twelve months after the date when issued except
  4 31 that permits issued to peace officers and correctional officers
  4 32 are valid through the officer's period of employment unless
  4 33 otherwise canceled. When the employment is terminated, the
  4 34 holder of the permit shall surrender it to the issuing officer
  4 35 for cancellation.
  5  1    Sec. 8.  Section 724.7, subsection 1, Code 2015, is amended
  5  2 to read as follows:
  5  3    1.  Any person who is not disqualified under section 724.8,
  5  4 who satisfies the training requirements of section 724.9, if
  5  5 applicable, and who files an application in accordance with
  5  6 section 724.10 shall be issued a nonprofessional permit to
  5  7 carry weapons. Such permits shall be on a form prescribed and
  5  8 published by the commissioner of public safety, which shall
  5  9 be readily distinguishable from the professional permit, and
  5 10 shall identify the holder of the permit. Such permits shall
  5 11 not be issued for a particular weapon and shall not contain
  5 12 information about a particular weapon including the make,
  5 13 model, or serial number of the weapon or any ammunition used
  5 14 in that weapon. All permits so issued shall be for a period of
  5 15 five years and shall be valid throughout the state except where
  5 16 the possession or carrying of a firearm is prohibited by state
  5 17 or federal law.
  5 18    Sec. 9.  Section 724.9, Code 2015, is amended to read as
  5 19 follows:
  5 20    724.9  Firearm training program.
  5 21    1.  An applicant for an initial permit to carry weapons,
  5 22 an applicant for a renewal permit under subsection 2, or an
  5 23 applicant for renewal who applies outside the time periods
  5 24 specified for a renewal in section 724.11, shall demonstrate
  5 25 knowledge of firearm safety by any of the following means:
  5 26    a.  Completion of any national rifle association handgun
  5 27 safety training course.
  5 28    b.  Completion of any handgun safety training course
  5 29 available to the general public offered by a law enforcement
  5 30 agency, community college, college, private or public
  5 31 institution or organization, or firearms training school,
  5 32 utilizing instructors certified by the national rifle
  5 33 association or the department of public safety or another
  5 34 state's department of public safety, state police department,
  5 35 or similar certifying body.
  6  1    c.  Completion of any handgun safety training course offered
  6  2 for security guards, investigators, special deputies, or any
  6  3 division or subdivision of a law enforcement or security
  6  4 enforcement agency approved by the department of public safety.
  6  5    d.  Completion of small arms training while serving with the
  6  6 armed forces of the United States as evidenced by any of the
  6  7 following:.
  6  8    (1)  For personnel released or retired from active duty,
  6  9 possession of an honorable discharge or general discharge under
  6 10 honorable conditions.
  6 11    (2)  For personnel on active duty or serving in one of the
  6 12 national guard or reserve components of the armed forces of the
  6 13 United States, possession of a certificate of completion of
  6 14 basic training with a service record of successful completion
  6 15 of small arms training and qualification.
  6 16    e.  Completion of a law enforcement agency firearms training
  6 17 course that qualifies a peace officer to carry a firearm in the
  6 18 normal course of the peace officer's duties.
  6 19    2.  a.  Beginning with the first renewal of a permit
  6 20 issued after the calendar year 2010, and alternating renewals
  6 21 thereafter, training is not required unless the applicant
  6 22 applies outside of the time periods specified for a renewal in
  6 23 section 724.11. 
  6 24    b.  Beginning with the second renewal of a permit issued
  6 25 after the calendar year 2010, and alternating renewals
  6 26 thereafter, an applicant is required to complete training and
  6 27 shall qualify under either of the following:
  6 28    (1)  Any training option specified in subsection 1.
  6 29    (2)  On a firing range under the supervision of an instructor
  6 30 certified by the national rifle association or the department
  6 31 of public safety or another state's department of public
  6 32 safety, state police department, or similar certifying body.
  6 33    2.  3.  Evidence If training or qualification is required
  6 34 under this section, evidence of such training or qualification
  6 35 under this section may be documented by any of the following:
  7  1    a.  A photocopy of a certificate of completion or any
  7  2 similar document indicating completion of any course or
  7  3 class identified in subsection 1 that was completed within
  7  4 twenty=four months prior to the date of the application.
  7  5    b.  An affidavit from the instructor, school, organization,
  7  6 or group that conducted or taught a course or class identified
  7  7 in subsection 1 that was completed within twenty=four
  7  8 months prior to the date of the application attesting to the
  7  9 completion of the course or class by the applicant.
  7 10    c.  A copy of any document indicating participation in any
  7 11 firearms shooting competition.
  7 12    c.  Possession of an honorable discharge or general discharge
  7 13 under honorable conditions issued any time prior to the date of
  7 14 the application for personnel released or retired from active
  7 15 duty in the armed forces of the United States. 
  7 16    d.  Possession of a certificate of completion of basic
  7 17 training with a service record of successful completion of
  7 18 small arms training and qualification issued prior to the
  7 19 date of the application, or other official documentation
  7 20 satisfactory to the issuing officer that was issued prior to
  7 21 the date of the application for personnel on active duty or
  7 22 serving in one of the national guard or reserve components of
  7 23 the armed forces of the United States.
  7 24    e.  A qualification certificate, qualification card, or
  7 25 affidavit from an instructor certified by the national rifle
  7 26 association or the department of public safety or another
  7 27 state's department of public safety, state police department,
  7 28 or similar certifying body attesting that the applicant for
  7 29 renewal has qualified on a firing range within twenty=four
  7 30 months prior to the date of the application.
  7 31    3.  4.  An issuing officer shall not condition the issuance
  7 32 of a permit on training requirements that are not specified in
  7 33 or that exceed the requirements of this section.
  7 34    5.  The handgun safety training course required in
  7 35 subsection 1 may be conducted over the internet in a live or
  8  1 web=based format, if completion of the course is verified by
  8  2 the instructor or provider of the course.
  8  3    Sec. 10.  Section 724.10, subsections 1 and 2, Code 2015, are
  8  4 amended to read as follows:
  8  5    1.  a.  A person shall not be issued a permit to carry
  8  6 weapons unless the person has completed and signed an
  8  7 application on a form to be prescribed and published by
  8  8 the commissioner of public safety. The application shall
  8  9 require only the full name, driver's license or nonoperator's
  8 10 identification card number, residence, place of birth, and
  8 11 date of birth of the applicant, and shall state whether the
  8 12 applicant meets the criteria specified in sections 724.8
  8 13 and 724.9. An applicant may provide the applicant's social
  8 14 security number if the applicant so chooses. The applicant
  8 15 shall also display an identification card that bears a
  8 16 distinguishing number assigned to the cardholder, the full
  8 17 name, date of birth, sex, residence address, and a brief
  8 18 description and colored photograph of the cardholder.
  8 19    b.  If the applicant is not a United States citizen, the
  8 20 application shall, in addition to the information specified in
  8 21 paragraph "a", require the applicant's country of citizenship,
  8 22 any alien or admission number issued by the United States
  8 23 immigration and customs enforcement or any successor agency,
  8 24 and, if applicable, the basis for any exception claimed
  8 25 pursuant to 18 U.S.C. {922(y).
  8 26    2.  The issuing officer, upon receipt of an initial or
  8 27 renewal application under this section, shall immediately
  8 28 conduct a background check concerning each applicant by
  8 29 obtaining criminal history data from the department of
  8 30 public safety which shall include an inquiry of the national
  8 31 instant criminal background check system maintained by the
  8 32 federal bureau of investigation or any successor agency and
  8 33 an immigration alien query through a database maintained by
  8 34 the United States immigration and customs enforcement or any
  8 35 successor agency if the applicant is not a United States
  9  1 citizen.
  9  2    Sec. 11.  Section 724.11, subsections 1 and 3, Code 2015, are
  9  3 amended to read as follows:
  9  4    1.  Applications for permits to carry weapons shall be made
  9  5 to the sheriff of the county in which the applicant resides.
  9  6 Applications for professional permits to carry weapons for
  9  7 persons who are nonresidents of the state, or whose need to
  9  8 go armed arises out of employment by the state, shall be made
  9  9 to the commissioner of public safety. In either case, the
  9 10 sheriff or commissioner, before issuing the permit, shall
  9 11 determine that the requirements of sections 724.6 to 724.10
  9 12 have been satisfied. However, for renewal of a permit the
  9 13 training program requirements in section 724.9, subsection 1,
  9 14 shall apply or the renewal applicant may choose to qualify on a
  9 15 firing range under the supervision of an instructor certified
  9 16 by the national rifle association or the department of public
  9 17 safety or another state's department of public safety, state
  9 18 police department, or similar certifying body. Such training
  9 19 or qualification must occur within the twelve=month period
  9 20 prior to the expiration of the applicant's current permit.
  9 21  An applicant for renewal of a permit shall apply within
  9 22 thirty days prior to the expiration of the permit or within
  9 23 thirty days after the expiration of the permit; otherwise the
  9 24 applicant shall be considered an applicant for an initial
  9 25 permit under section 724.9, subsection 1.
  9 26    3.  The issuing officer shall collect a fee of fifty dollars,
  9 27 except from a duly appointed peace officer or correctional
  9 28 officer, for each permit issued. Renewal permits or duplicate
  9 29 permits shall be issued for a fee of twenty=five dollars,
  9 30 provided the application for such renewal permit is received by
  9 31 the issuing officer at least within thirty days prior to the
  9 32 expiration of the applicant's current permit or within thirty
  9 33 days after such expiration. The issuing officer shall notify
  9 34 the commissioner of public safety of the issuance of any permit
  9 35 at least monthly and forward to the commissioner an amount
 10  1 equal to ten dollars for each permit issued and five dollars
 10  2 for each renewal or duplicate permit issued. All such fees
 10  3 received by the commissioner shall be paid to the treasurer of
 10  4 state and deposited in the operating account of the department
 10  5 of public safety to offset the cost of administering this
 10  6 chapter. Notwithstanding section 8.33, any unspent balance as
 10  7 of June 30 of each year shall not revert to the general fund of
 10  8 the state.
 10  9    Sec. 12.  Section 724.11, Code 2015, is amended by adding the
 10 10 following new subsection:
 10 11    NEW SUBSECTION.  5.  The initial or renewal permit shall
 10 12 have a uniform appearance, size, and content prescribed and
 10 13 published by the commissioner of public safety.  The permit
 10 14 shall contain the name of the permittee and the effective date
 10 15 of the permit, but shall not contain the permittee's social
 10 16 security number.  Such a permit shall not be issued for a
 10 17 particular weapon and shall not contain information about a
 10 18 particular weapon including the make, model, or serial number
 10 19 of the weapon, or any ammunition used in that weapon.
 10 20    Sec. 13.  Section 724.11A, Code 2015, is amended to read as
 10 21 follows:
 10 22    724.11A  Recognition.
 10 23    A valid permit or license issued by another state to any
 10 24 nonresident of this state shall be considered to be a valid
 10 25 permit or license to carry weapons issued pursuant to this
 10 26 chapter, except that such permit or license shall not be
 10 27 considered to be a substitute for an annual a permit to acquire
 10 28 pistols or revolvers firearms issued pursuant to section
 10 29 724.15.
 10 30    Sec. 14.  Section 724.15, Code 2015, is amended by striking
 10 31 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following:
 10 32    724.15  Optional permit to acquire firearms.
 10 33    1.  It is the purpose of this section to provide for a permit
 10 34 to acquire firearms that will satisfy the requirements of 18
 10 35 U.S.C. {922(t)(3) to allow the holder of such a permit to
 11  1 acquire firearms from a federally licensed firearms dealer.  A
 11  2 person is not required to obtain a permit to acquire firearms
 11  3 under this section if the person possesses a valid permit to
 11  4 carry weapons issued in accordance with this chapter or if the
 11  5 person has otherwise completed a satisfactory national instant
 11  6 criminal background check required pursuant to 18 U.S.C.
 11  7 {922(t).
 11  8    2.  A person may obtain a permit to acquire firearms pursuant
 11  9 to this section.  However, a permit to acquire firearms
 11 10 shall not be issued to a person who is subject to any of the
 11 11 following:
 11 12    a.  Is under twenty=one years of age.
 11 13    b.  Is prohibited by section 724.26 or federal law from
 11 14 possessing, shipping, transporting, or receiving a firearm.
 11 15    c.  Is prohibited by court order from possessing, shipping,
 11 16 transporting, or receiving a firearm.
 11 17    3.  A permit to acquire firearms shall authorize the permit
 11 18 holder to acquire one or more firearms, without limitation,
 11 19 from a federally licensed firearms dealer during the period the
 11 20 permit remains valid pursuant to section 724.20.
 11 21    4.  An issuing officer who finds that a person issued
 11 22 a permit to acquire firearms under this chapter has been
 11 23 arrested for a disqualifying offense or who is the subject of
 11 24 proceedings that could lead to the person's ineligibility for
 11 25 such permit may immediately suspend such permit.  An issuing
 11 26 officer proceeding under this subsection shall immediately
 11 27 notify the permit holder of the suspension by personal service
 11 28 or certified mail on a form prescribed and published by the
 11 29 commissioner of public safety and the suspension shall become
 11 30 effective upon the permit holder's receipt of such notice.  If
 11 31 the suspension is based on an arrest or a proceeding that does
 11 32 not result in a disqualifying conviction or finding against
 11 33 the permit holder, the issuing officer shall immediately
 11 34 reinstate the permit upon receipt of proof of the matter's
 11 35 final disposition.  If the arrest leads to a disqualifying
 12  1 conviction or the proceedings to a disqualifying finding, the
 12  2 issuing officer shall revoke the permit.  The issuing officer
 12  3 may also revoke the permit of a person whom the issuing officer
 12  4 later finds was not qualified for such a permit at the time of
 12  5 issuance or who the officer finds provided materially false
 12  6 information on the permit application.  A person aggrieved by a
 12  7 suspension or revocation under this subsection may seek review
 12  8 of the decision pursuant to section 724.21A.
 12  9    Sec. 15.  Section 724.16, Code 2015, is amended by striking
 12 10 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following:
 12 11    724.16  Prohibited transfers of firearms.
 12 12    1.  A person shall not transfer a firearm to another person
 12 13 if the person knows or reasonably should know that the other
 12 14 person is prohibited from receiving or possessing a firearm
 12 15 under section 724.26 or federal law.
 12 16    2.  A person shall not loan or rent a firearm to another
 12 17 person for temporary use during lawful activities if the person
 12 18 knows or reasonably should know that the person is prohibited
 12 19 from receiving or possessing a firearm under section 724.26 or
 12 20 federal law.
 12 21    3.  A person who transfers, loans, or rents a firearm in
 12 22 violation of this section commits a class "D" felony.
 12 23    Sec. 16.  Section 724.17, Code 2015, is amended to read as
 12 24 follows:
 12 25    724.17  Application for annual permit to acquire firearms ====
 12 26 criminal history check required.
 12 27    1.  The application for an annual a permit to acquire pistols
 12 28 or revolvers firearms may be made to the sheriff of the county
 12 29 of the applicant's residence and shall be on a form prescribed
 12 30 and published by the commissioner of public safety.
 12 31    a.  The If an applicant is a United States citizen, the
 12 32  application shall require only the full name of the applicant,
 12 33 the driver's license or nonoperator's identification card
 12 34 number of the applicant, the residence of the applicant, and
 12 35 the date and place of birth of the applicant.
 13  1    b.  If the applicant is not a United States citizen, the
 13  2 application shall, in addition to the information specified in
 13  3 paragraph "a", require the applicant's country of citizenship,
 13  4 any alien or admission number issued by the United States
 13  5 immigration and customs enforcement or any successor agency,
 13  6 and, if applicable, the basis for any exception claimed
 13  7 pursuant to 18 U.S.C. {922(y).
 13  8    c.  The applicant shall also display an identification card
 13  9 that bears a distinguishing number assigned to the cardholder,
 13 10 the full name, date of birth, sex, residence address, and brief
 13 11 description and colored photograph of the cardholder, or other
 13 12 identification as specified by rule of the department of public
 13 13 safety.
 13 14    2.  The sheriff shall conduct a criminal history check
 13 15 concerning each applicant by obtaining criminal history data
 13 16 from the department of public safety which shall include an
 13 17 inquiry of the national instant criminal background check
 13 18 system maintained by the federal bureau of investigation or
 13 19 any successor agency and an immigration alien query through
 13 20 a database maintained by the United States immigration and
 13 21 customs enforcement or any successor agency if the applicant
 13 22 is not a United States citizen.
 13 23    3.  A person who makes what the person knows to be a false
 13 24 statement of material fact on an application submitted under
 13 25 this section or who submits what the person knows to be any
 13 26 materially falsified or forged documentation in connection with
 13 27 such an application commits a class "D" felony.
 13 28    Sec. 17.  Section 724.18, Code 2015, is amended by striking
 13 29 the section and inserting in lieu thereof the following:
 13 30    724.18  Procedure for making application for permit to acquire
 13 31 firearms.
 13 32    1.  A person may personally request the sheriff to mail an
 13 33 application for a permit to acquire firearms, and the sheriff
 13 34 shall immediately forward such application to the person.  The
 13 35 person shall personally deliver such a completed application to
 14  1 the sheriff. The permit to acquire firearms shall be issued
 14  2 to the applicant within thirty days of the receipt of the
 14  3 completed application, unless the applicant is disqualified
 14  4 after a criminal history check and immigration alien query, if
 14  5 applicable.
 14  6    2.  For the purposes of this section and section 724.19,
 14  7 the date of application shall be the date on which the sheriff
 14  8 receives the completed application.
 14  9    Sec. 18.  Section 724.19, Code 2015, is amended to read as
 14 10 follows:
 14 11    724.19  Issuance of annual permit to acquire firearms.
 14 12    The annual permit to acquire pistols or revolvers firearms
 14 13  shall be issued to the applicant immediately upon completion
 14 14 of the application within thirty days of the receipt of the
 14 15 completed application, unless the applicant is disqualified
 14 16 under the provisions of section 724.15 and or 724.17. The
 14 17 permit shall be on a form have a uniform appearance, size, and
 14 18 content prescribed and published by the commissioner of public
 14 19 safety. The permit shall contain the name of the permittee,
 14 20 the residence of the permittee, and the effective date of the
 14 21 permit, but shall not contain the permittee's social security
 14 22 number.  Such a permit shall not be issued for a particular
 14 23 weapon and shall not contain information about a particular
 14 24 weapon including the make, model, or serial number of the
 14 25 weapon, or any ammunition used in that weapon.
 14 26    Sec. 19.  Section 724.20, Code 2015, is amended to read as
 14 27 follows:
 14 28    724.20  Validity of annual permit to acquire pistols or
 14 29 revolvers firearms.
 14 30    The permit shall be valid throughout the state and shall
 14 31 be valid three days after the date of application and shall
 14 32 be invalid one year five years after the date of application
 14 33  issuance.
 14 34    Sec. 20.  Section 724.21, Code 2015, is amended to read as
 14 35 follows:
 15  1    724.21  Giving false information when acquiring weapon
 15  2  firearms.
 15  3    A person who gives a false name or presents false
 15  4 identification, or otherwise knowingly gives false material
 15  5 information to one from whom the person seeks to acquire a
 15  6 pistol or revolver firearm, commits a class "D" felony.
 15  7    Sec. 21.  Section 724.21A, subsections 1 and 7, Code 2015,
 15  8 are amended to read as follows:
 15  9    1.  In any case where the sheriff or the commissioner of
 15 10 public safety denies an application for or suspends or revokes
 15 11 a permit to carry weapons or an annual a permit to acquire
 15 12 pistols or revolvers firearms, the sheriff or commissioner
 15 13 shall provide a written statement of the reasons for the
 15 14 denial, suspension, or revocation and the applicant or permit
 15 15 holder shall have the right to appeal the denial, suspension,
 15 16 or revocation to an administrative law judge in the department
 15 17 of inspections and appeals within thirty days of receiving
 15 18 written notice of the denial, suspension, or revocation.
 15 19    7.  In any case where the issuing officer denies an
 15 20 application for, or suspends or revokes a permit to carry
 15 21 weapons or an annual a permit to acquire pistols or revolvers
 15 22  firearms solely because of an adverse determination by
 15 23 the national instant criminal background check system, the
 15 24 applicant or permit holder shall not seek relief under this
 15 25 section but may pursue relief of the national instant criminal
 15 26 background check system determination pursuant to Pub. L. No.
 15 27 103=159, sections 103(f) and (g) and 104 and 28 C.F.R. {25.10,
 15 28 or other applicable law. The outcome of such proceedings shall
 15 29 be binding on the issuing officer.
 15 30    Sec. 22.  Section 724.21A, Code 2015, is amended by adding
 15 31 the following new subsection:
 15 32    NEW SUBSECTION.  8.  If an applicant appeals the decision
 15 33 by the sheriff or commissioner to deny an application, or
 15 34 suspend or revoke a permit to carry weapons or a permit to
 15 35 acquire firearms, and it is later determined the applicant
 16  1 is eligible to be issued or possess such a permit, the
 16  2 applicant shall be awarded costs related to the administrative
 16  3 proceeding and reasonable attorney fees if applicable.  If the
 16  4 decision of the sheriff or commission to deny the application,
 16  5 or suspend or revoke the permit is upheld on appeal, the
 16  6 political subdivision of the state representing the sheriff
 16  7 or the commissioner shall be awarded costs related to the
 16  8 administrative proceeding and reasonable attorney fees if
 16  9 applicable.
 16 10    Sec. 23.  Section 724.22, subsection 5, Code 2015, is amended
 16 11 to read as follows:
 16 12    5.  A parent or guardian or spouse who is twenty=one years of
 16 13 age or older, of a person fourteen years of age but less than
 16 14  below the age of twenty=one may allow the person to possess a
 16 15 pistol or revolver or the ammunition therefor for any lawful
 16 16 purpose while under the direct supervision of the parent or
 16 17 guardian or spouse who is twenty=one years of age or older, or
 16 18 while the person receives instruction in the proper use thereof
 16 19 from an instructor twenty=one years of age or older, with the
 16 20 consent of such parent, guardian or spouse.
 16 21    Sec. 24.  Section 724.23, Code 2015, is amended to read as
 16 22 follows:
 16 23    724.23  Records kept by commissioner and issuing officers.
 16 24    1.  a.  The commissioner of public safety shall maintain a
 16 25 permanent record of all valid permits to carry weapons and of
 16 26 current permit revocations.
 16 27    b.  The permanent record shall be kept in a searchable
 16 28 database that is accessible on a statewide basis for the
 16 29 circumstances described in subsection 2, paragraph "b", "c", or
 16 30 "d".
 16 31    2.  a.  Notwithstanding any other law or rule to the
 16 32 contrary, the commissioner of public safety and any issuing
 16 33 officer shall keep confidential personally identifiable
 16 34 information of holders of permits to carry weapons and permits
 16 35 to acquire firearms, including but not limited to the name,
 17  1 social security number, date of birth, residential or business
 17  2 address, and driver's license or other identification number of
 17  3 the applicant or permit holder.
 17  4    b.  This subsection shall not prohibit the release of
 17  5 statistical information relating to the issuance, denial,
 17  6 revocation, or administration of nonprofessional permits to
 17  7 carry weapons and permits to acquire firearms, provided that
 17  8 the release of such information does not reveal the identity of
 17  9 any individual permit holder.
 17 10    c.  This subsection shall not prohibit the release of
 17 11 information to any law enforcement agency or any employee or
 17 12 agent thereof when necessary for the purpose of investigating a
 17 13 possible violation of law or when probable cause exists, or for
 17 14 conducting a lawfully authorized background investigation.
 17 15    d.  This subsection shall not prohibit the release of
 17 16 information relating to the validity of a professional permit
 17 17 to carry weapons to an employer who requires an employee or an
 17 18 agent of the employer to possess a professional permit to carry
 17 19 weapons as part of the duties of the employee or agent.
 17 20    e.  Except as provided in paragraphs "b", "c", and "d", the
 17 21 release of any confidential information under this section
 17 22 shall require a court order or the consent of the person whose
 17 23 personally identifiable information is the subject of the
 17 24 information request.
 17 25    Sec. 25.  Section 724.27, subsection 1, unnumbered paragraph
 17 26 1, Code 2015, is amended to read as follows:
 17 27    The provisions of section 724.8, section 724.15, subsection
 17 28 1 2, and section 724.26 shall not apply to a person who is
 17 29 eligible to have the person's civil rights regarding firearms
 17 30 restored under section 914.7 if any of the following occur:
 17 31    Sec. 26.  NEW SECTION.  724.29A  Fraudulent purchase of
 17 32 firearms or ammunition.
 17 33    1.  For purposes of this section:
 17 34    a.  "Ammunition" means any cartridge, shell, or projectile
 17 35 designed for use in a firearm.
 18  1    b.  "Licensed firearms dealer" means a person who is licensed
 18  2 pursuant to 18 U.S.C. {923 to engage in the business  of dealing
 18  3 in firearms.
 18  4    c.  "Materially false information" means information that
 18  5 portrays an illegal transaction as legal or a legal transaction
 18  6 as illegal.
 18  7    d.  "Private seller" means a person who sells or offers for
 18  8 sale any firearm or ammunition.
 18  9    2.  A person who knowingly solicits, persuades, encourages,
 18 10 or entices a licensed firearms dealer or private seller of
 18 11 firearms or ammunition to transfer a firearm or ammunition
 18 12 under circumstances that the person knows would violate the
 18 13 laws of this state or of the United States commits a class "D"
 18 14 felony.
 18 15    3.  A person who knowingly provides materially false
 18 16 information to a licensed firearms dealer or private seller of
 18 17 firearms or ammunition with the intent to deceive the firearms
 18 18 dealer or seller about the legality of a transfer of a firearm
 18 19 or ammunition commits a class "D" felony.
 18 20    4.  Any person who willfully procures another to engage in
 18 21 conduct prohibited by this section shall be held accountable
 18 22 as a principal.
 18 23    5.  This section does not apply to a law enforcement officer
 18 24 acting in the officer's official capacity or to a person acting
 18 25 at the direction of such law enforcement officer.
 18 26    Sec. 27.  NEW SECTION.  724.32  Rules.
 18 27    The department of public safety shall adopt rules pursuant
 18 28 to chapter 17A to administer this chapter.
 18 29    Sec. 28.  Section 805.8C, Code 2015, is amended by adding the
 18 30 following new subsections:
 18 31    NEW SUBSECTION.  11.  Duty to possess permit to carry
 18 32 weapons.  For violations of section 724.4, subsection 4,
 18 33 paragraph "i", subparagraph (2), the scheduled fine is ten
 18 34 dollars.
 18 35    NEW SUBSECTION.  12.  Failure to produce permit to carry.  For
 19  1 violations of section 724.5, the scheduled fine is ten dollars.
 19  2    Sec. 29.  EFFECTIVE UPON ENACTMENT.  The following
 19  3 provision or provisions of this Act, being deemed of immediate
 19  4 importance, take effect upon enactment:
 19  5    1.  The section of this Act amending section 724.1,
 19  6 subsection 1, paragraph "h".
 19  7    2.  The section of this Act enacting new section 724.1A.
 19  8    3.  The section of this Act amending section 724.22.
 19  9    4.  The section of this Act amending section 724.23,
 19 10 subsection 2.
 19 11    5.  The section of this Act amending section 724.29A.
 19 12    6.  The applicability section of this Act.
 19 13    Sec. 30.  APPLICABILITY.  The section of this Act amending
 19 14 section 724.23 applies to holders of nonprofessional permits to
 19 15 carry weapons and permits to acquire firearms and to applicants
 19 16 for nonprofessional permits to carry weapons and permits to
 19 17 acquire firearms on or after the effective date of that section
 19 18 of this Act.
 19 19                           EXPLANATION
 19 20 The inclusion of this explanation does not constitute agreement with
 19 21 the explanation's substance by the members of the general assembly.
 19 22    This bill relates to the manufacture, acquisition, sale, and
 19 23 use of firearms and suppressors.
 19 24    FIREARM SUPPRESSORS.  Current Iowa law provides that a
 19 25 mechanical device specifically constructed and designed so that
 19 26 when attached to a firearm it silences, muffles, or suppresses
 19 27 the sound when fired is an offensive weapon.  Under Code
 19 28 section 724.3, any person who knowingly possesses an offensive
 19 29 weapon commits a class "D" felony, punishable by confinement
 19 30 for no more than five years and a fine of at least $750 but not
 19 31 more than $7,500.
 19 32    The bill strikes a provision in Code section 724.1(1)(h)
 19 33 that classifies a firearm suppressor as an offensive weapon.
 19 34 By striking this provision, a firearm suppressor is legal
 19 35 to possess in the state. This provision takes effect upon
 20  1 enactment.
 20  2    The bill also creates in new Code section 724.1A, a process
 20  3 whereby a person may apply to the chief law enforcement officer
 20  4 of the jurisdiction where the person resides or maintains an
 20  5 address of record for a certification to make or transfer a
 20  6 firearm suppressor.  The bill defines "firearm suppressor" to
 20  7 mean a mechanical device specifically constructed and designed
 20  8 so that when attached to a firearm silences, muffles, or
 20  9 suppresses the sound when fired that is considered a "firearm
 20 10 silencer" or "firearm muffler" as defined in 18 U.S.C. {921.
 20 11    The bill specifies that a chief law enforcement officer
 20 12 shall not refuse to provide certification, based on a
 20 13 generalized objection, to an applicant making or transferring
 20 14 a firearm suppressor.  If a person applies for certification
 20 15 to make or transfer a firearm suppressor with the chief
 20 16 law enforcement officer, the bill requires the chief law
 20 17 enforcement officer to issue the certification within 30
 20 18 days of receiving such an application unless the applicant
 20 19 is prohibited by law from making or transferring a firearm
 20 20 suppressor or the applicant is the subject of a proceeding that
 20 21 could result in the applicant being prohibited by law from
 20 22 making or transferring a firearm suppressor.  If the chief
 20 23 law enforcement officer does not issue a certification under
 20 24 the bill, the chief law enforcement officer shall provide the
 20 25 applicant a written notification of the denial and the reason
 20 26 for the denial.  If the certification has been approved by the
 20 27 chief law enforcement officer under the bill, the applicant
 20 28 has the authority to make or transfer a firearm suppressor as
 20 29 provided by state and federal law.
 20 30    If the applicant's request for certification is denied,
 20 31 the bill specifies that the applicant may appeal the decision
 20 32 to the district court for the county in which the applicant
 20 33 resides or maintains an address of record.  The bill specifies
 20 34 that the court shall review the decision of the chief law
 20 35 enforcement officer to deny the certification de novo.  If the
 21  1 court finds that the applicant is not prohibited by law from
 21  2 making or transferring a firearm suppressor, the bill requires
 21  3 the court to order the chief law enforcement officer to issue
 21  4 the certification and award court costs and reasonable attorney
 21  5 fees to the applicant. If the court determines the applicant
 21  6 is not eligible to be issued a certification, the bill requires
 21  7 the court to award court costs and reasonable attorney fees to
 21  8 the political subdivision of the state representing the chief
 21  9 law enforcement officer.
 21 10    In making a determination about whether to issue a
 21 11 certification under the bill, a chief law enforcement officer
 21 12 may conduct a criminal background check, but shall only require
 21 13 the applicant to provide as much information as is necessary
 21 14 to identify the applicant for this purpose or to determine
 21 15 the disposition of an arrest or proceeding relevant to the
 21 16 eligibility of the applicant to lawfully make or transfer a
 21 17 firearm suppressor. The bill prohibits a chief law enforcement
 21 18 officer from requiring access to any private premises as a
 21 19 condition of providing a certification under this Code section.
 21 20    A chief law enforcement officer and employees of the chief
 21 21 law enforcement officer who act in good faith are immune
 21 22 from liability arising from any act or omission in making a
 21 23 certification under the bill.
 21 24    The bill provides that a person shall not possess a firearm
 21 25 suppressor unless authorized by federal law.  A person who
 21 26 violates this provision commits a class "D" felony.
 21 27    The provisions relating to making or transferring a firearm
 21 28 suppressor take effect upon enactment.
 21 29    CARRYING WEAPONS.  The bill provides that a person does not
 21 30 commit the criminal offense of carrying weapons in violation of
 21 31 Code section 724.4 if the person has in the person's immediate
 21 32 possession and who displays to a peace officer on demand a
 21 33 valid permit to carry weapons which has been issued to the
 21 34 person, and whose conduct is within the limits of that permit.
 21 35 The bill specifies that a peace officer shall verify through
 22  1 electronic means, if possible, the validity of the person's
 22  2 permit to carry weapons. Current law does not require the
 22  3 permit to be in the person's immediate possession only that
 22  4 the permit be in the person's possession. If a person, who
 22  5 possesses a valid permit to carry weapons under the bill, fails
 22  6 to carry such a permit in the immediate possession of the
 22  7 person or fails to display the permit to a peace officer on
 22  8 demand, a person commits a simple misdemeanor punishable by a
 22  9 $10 scheduled fine.
 22 10    CARRYING WEAPONS ON SCHOOL GROUNDS.  The bill provides
 22 11 that a certified peace officer who possesses a professional
 22 12 permit to carry weapons does not commit the criminal violation
 22 13 of unlawfully carrying weapons on school grounds under Code
 22 14 section 724.4B.  Under current law, a peace officer while
 22 15 acting within the official duties of the officer may possess a
 22 16 weapon on school grounds. A person who commits the offense of
 22 17 unlawfully carrying weapons on school grounds commits a class
 22 18 "D" felony.
 22 19    DUTY TO POSSESS PERMIT TO CARRY WEAPONS.  The bill under
 22 20 Code section 724.5 makes it a simple misdemeanor punishable by
 22 21 a $10 scheduled fine if a person armed with a revolver, pistol,
 22 22 or pocket billy concealed upon the person does not possess
 22 23 the permit to carry weapons in the immediate possession of
 22 24 the person, and fails to produce such permit for inspection
 22 25 upon the request of a peace officer. The bill specifies that
 22 26 a peace officer shall verify through electronic means, if
 22 27 possible, the validity of the person's permit to carry weapons.
 22 28 Current law provides that if a person commits such a violation
 22 29 the person commits a simple misdemeanor.
 22 30    INITIAL PERMIT TO CARRY WEAPONS OR RENEWAL.  Prior to issuing
 22 31 any initial permit to carry weapons or any renewal permit,
 22 32 the sheriff or commissioner under Code section 724.11 shall
 22 33 determine if the requirements of Code sections 724.6, 724.7,
 22 34 724.8, 724.9, and 724.10 have been met. Under Code section
 22 35 724.10, an applicant who is a United States citizen is only
 23  1 required to provide certain basic identifying documentation.
 23  2 Under the bill, an applicant who is not a United States
 23  3 citizen must provide additional information and is subject to
 23  4 an immigration alien query through a database maintained by
 23  5 the United States immigration and customs enforcement.  All
 23  6 applicants are subject to a criminal history background check.
 23  7    The bill does not change the training or qualification
 23  8 requirements for an initial application to carry weapons
 23  9 under Code section 724.9(1), except that the training or
 23 10 qualification must occur within 24 months prior to the date of
 23 11 the application rather than within the 12=month period prior to
 23 12 the application required under current law.
 23 13    Any of the following firearm safety training courses are
 23 14 acceptable under current law and the bill: the national rifle
 23 15 association handgun safety training course; any handgun safety
 23 16 training course available to the general public offered by a
 23 17 law enforcement agency, community college, college, private or
 23 18 public institution or organization, or firearms training school
 23 19 utilizing certified instructors; a handgun safety training
 23 20 course offered for security guards, investigators, special
 23 21 deputies, or any division or subdivision of a law enforcement
 23 22 or security enforcement agency approved by the department of
 23 23 public safety; or small arms training while serving with the
 23 24 armed forces of the United States.
 23 25    The bill provides in Code section 724.9 that the handgun
 23 26 safety training course required to obtain a permit to carry
 23 27 under Code section 724.11 may be conducted over the internet in
 23 28 a live or web=based format, as long as completion of the course
 23 29 is verified by the instructor or provider of the course.
 23 30    The bill provides that beginning with the first renewal
 23 31 of a permit to carry weapons issued after the calendar year
 23 32 2010, and alternating renewals thereafter, training under Code
 23 33 section 724.9(1) is not required unless the renewal applicant
 23 34 does not apply within 30 days prior to the expiration of the
 23 35 permit or within 30 days after the expiration of the permit.
 24  1 If the renewal applicant does not apply within 30 days prior
 24  2 to the expiration of the permit or within 30 days after the
 24  3 expiration of the permit the renewal applicant shall be subject
 24  4 to the same training requirements as a person who initially
 24  5 applies for a permit to carry weapons under Code section
 24  6 724.9(1).
 24  7    The bill provides that beginning with the second renewal
 24  8 of a permit to carry weapons issued after the calendar year
 24  9 2010, and alternating renewals thereafter, a renewal applicant
 24 10 is required to complete training and shall qualify under
 24 11 either of the following: the training requirements specified
 24 12 in Code section 724.9(1), or on a firing range under the
 24 13 supervision of an instructor certified by the national rifle
 24 14 association or the department of public safety or another
 24 15 state's department of public safety, state police department,
 24 16 or similar certifying body.
 24 17    The bill provides that an initial or renewal applicant
 24 18 to carry weapons may evidence the training by providing the
 24 19 following: a photocopy of a certificate of completion or any
 24 20 similar document indicating completion of any course or class
 24 21 identified in Code section 724.9(1) that was completed within
 24 22 24 months prior to the date of the application; a photocopy of
 24 23 a certificate of completion or any similar document indicating
 24 24 completion of any course or class identified in Code section
 24 25 724.9(1) that was completed within 24 months prior to the date
 24 26 of the application; possession of an honorable discharge or
 24 27 general discharge under honorable conditions issued any time
 24 28 prior to the date of the application for personnel released
 24 29 or retired from active duty in the armed forces of the United
 24 30 States; possession of a certificate of completion of basic
 24 31 training with a service record of successful completion of
 24 32 small arms training and qualification issued prior to the
 24 33 date of the application, or other official documentation
 24 34 satisfactory to the issuing officer, for personnel on active
 24 35 duty or serving in one of the national guard or reserve
 25  1 components of the armed forces of the United States; or a
 25  2 qualification certificate, qualification card, or affidavit
 25  3 from an instructor certified by the national rifle association
 25  4 or the department of public safety or another state's
 25  5 department of public safety, state police department, or
 25  6 similar certifying body attesting that the applicant for
 25  7 renewal has qualified on a firing range within 24 months prior
 25  8 to the date of the application.
 25  9    The bill strikes a provision that allows an initial or
 25 10 renewal applicant for a permit to carry weapons to evidence
 25 11 the training by providing a copy of any document indicating
 25 12 participation in a firearms shooting competition.
 25 13    The bill specifies that the initial or renewal permit shall
 25 14 have a uniform appearance, size, and content prescribed and
 25 15 published by the commissioner of public safety.  The bill
 25 16 further specifies that the permit shall contain the name of
 25 17 the permittee and the effective date of the permit, but shall
 25 18 not contain the permittee's social security number.  The bill
 25 19 prohibits such a permit to be issued for a particular weapon or
 25 20 to contain information about a particular weapon including the
 25 21 make, model, or serial number of the weapon, or any ammunition
 25 22 used in that weapon.
 25 23    The bill does not increase or decrease the fee for a renewal
 25 24 of a permit to carry weapons but does allow a renewal applicant
 25 25 to pay the $25 renewal application fee if the renewal applicant
 25 26 applies within 30 days prior to the expiration of the permit
 25 27 or within 30 days after such expiration.  Current law requires
 25 28 that in order to be assessed the $25 renewal application fee,
 25 29 the renewal applicant must apply at least 30 days prior to the
 25 30 expiration of the permit to carry weapons.
 25 31    PROHIBITED TRANSFERS OF FIREARMS.  The bill strikes
 25 32 the language of current Code section 724.16, relating to
 25 33 transferring a pistol or revolver to a person without a
 25 34 permit or acquiring a pistol or revolver without a permit and
 25 35 substitutes language prohibiting the transfer of a firearm to
 26  1 another person who does not possess a permit if the person
 26  2 knows or reasonably should know the person is prohibited from
 26  3 receiving or possessing a firearm under Code section 724.26
 26  4 or federal law.  The bill also provides that a person shall
 26  5 not loan or rent a firearm to another person for temporary use
 26  6 during lawful activities if the person knows or reasonably
 26  7 should know the person is prohibited from receiving or
 26  8 possessing a firearm under Code section 724.26 or federal
 26  9 law.  A person who violates this provision commits a class "D"
 26 10 felony.
 26 11    OPTIONAL PERMITS TO ACQUIRE AND PERMITS TO ACQUIRE FIREARMS.
 26 12 Current law provides that any person who intends to purchase a
 26 13 pistol or revolver is required to first obtain an annual permit
 26 14 to acquire pistols or revolvers unless the person is otherwise
 26 15 exempt from obtaining such a permit.  The bill in Code section
 26 16 724.15 eliminates this type of mandatory permit and provides
 26 17 instead for an optional permit to acquire firearms in order to
 26 18 satisfy the requirements of federal law allowing the holder of
 26 19 such a permit to acquire firearms from a federally licensed
 26 20 firearms dealer.  A person is not required to obtain a permit
 26 21 to acquire firearms to purchase firearms from a federally
 26 22 licensed firearms dealer if the person possesses a valid permit
 26 23 to carry weapons issued in accordance with Iowa law or if the
 26 24 person has otherwise completed a satisfactory national instant
 26 25 criminal background check required by federal law to purchase
 26 26 firearms from a federally licensed firearms dealer.
 26 27    Under the bill, a person who applies for an optional permit
 26 28 to acquire firearms is not eligible for the permit if the
 26 29 person is less than 21 years of age or is prohibited by Code
 26 30 section 724.26 (felon in possession of a firearm), federal
 26 31 law, or court order from possessing, shipping, transporting,
 26 32 or receiving a firearm.
 26 33    The bill in Code section 724.17 provides that an application
 26 34 for a permit to acquire firearms is made to the sheriff of the
 26 35 county of the applicant's residence.  A person may request the
 27  1 sheriff to mail a permit to acquire firearms under Code section
 27  2 724.18, and the bill requires the sheriff to immediately
 27  3 forward the application to the person. An applicant who is
 27  4 a United States citizen is only required to provide certain
 27  5 basic identifying documentation.  An applicant who is not a
 27  6 United States citizen must provide additional information and
 27  7 is subject to an immigration alien query through a database
 27  8 maintained by the United States immigration and customs
 27  9 enforcement.  All applicants are subject to a criminal history
 27 10 background check. Corresponding amendments are made to Code
 27 11 sections 724.11A and 724.21.
 27 12    The bill under Code section 724.18 provides that the permit
 27 13 to acquire shall be issued to the applicant within 30 days of
 27 14 receiving the completed application unless the applicant is
 27 15 disqualified after a criminal history check and immigration
 27 16 alien query, if applicable. The bill provides under Code
 27 17 section 724.19 that the permit shall have a uniform appearance,
 27 18 size, and content, but shall not contain the permittee's
 27 19 social security number.  Such permits shall not be issued for
 27 20 a particular weapon and shall not contain information about a
 27 21 particular weapon including the make, model, or serial number
 27 22 of the weapon, or any ammunition used in that weapon.
 27 23    The bill in Code section 724.15 provides that the permit to
 27 24 acquire firearms may be suspended or revoked by the issuing
 27 25 officer and the aggrieved permit holder may file an appeal with
 27 26 an administrative law judge.
 27 27    Current law in Code section 724.17 provides that a person who
 27 28 makes what the person knows to be a false statement of material
 27 29 fact on an application for a permit to acquire firearms
 27 30 or who submits what the person knows to be any materially
 27 31 falsified or forged documentation in connection with such an
 27 32 application commits a class "D" felony.  Under the bill in Code
 27 33 section 724.16 a person who transfers ownership of a firearm
 27 34 to a person that the transferor knows is prohibited under
 27 35 Code section 724.26 (felon in possession of a firearm) from
 28  1 possessing, shipping, transporting, or receiving a firearm
 28  2 commits a class "D" felony.
 28  3    The bill makes a conforming change to Code section 724.27
 28  4 relating to the restoration of firearms rights.
 28  5    ISSUANCE OF OPTIONAL PERMIT TO ACQUIRE AND PERMIT TO
 28  6 ACQUIRE.  The bill provides in Code section 724.20 that an
 28  7 optional permit to acquire a firearm shall be valid five years
 28  8 from the date of the issuance of the permit. Current law
 28  9 provides that a permit to acquire is valid three days after
 28 10 the date of the application and becomes invalid one year
 28 11 after the date of the application for the permit to acquire.
 28 12 The bill specifies that the permit to acquire firearms shall
 28 13 have a uniform appearance, size, and content prescribed and
 28 14 published by the commissioner of public safety.  The bill
 28 15 further specifies that the permit shall contain the name of
 28 16 the permittee and the effective date of permit, but shall not
 28 17 contain the permittee's social security number.
 28 18    DENIAL, SUSPENSION, OR REVOCATION ==== PERMIT TO CARRY
 28 19 WEAPONS AND PERMIT TO ACQUIRE FIREARMS.  If an applicant under
 28 20 Code section 724.21A appeals the decision by the sheriff or
 28 21 commissioner to deny an application, or suspend or revoke a
 28 22 permit to carry weapons or a permit to acquire firearms, and
 28 23 it is later determined the applicant is eligible to be issued
 28 24 or possess such a permit, the bill provides that the applicant
 28 25 shall be awarded any costs related to the administrative
 28 26 hearing and reasonable attorney fees if applicable.  However,
 28 27 if the decision of the sheriff or commissioner to deny the
 28 28 application, or suspend or revoke the permit is upheld on
 28 29 appeal, the political subdivision of the state representing the
 28 30 sheriff or the commissioner shall be awarded court costs and
 28 31 reasonable attorney fees if applicable.
 28 32    POSSESSION OF PISTOL, REVOLVER, OR AMMUNITION BY PERSONS
 28 33 UNDER 14 YEARS OF AGE.  Under the bill in Code section
 28 34 724.22(5), a parent or guardian or spouse who is 21 years of
 28 35 age or older, or an instructor 21 years of age or older with
 29  1 the consent of the parent or guardian or spouse, may allow
 29  2 a minor of any age to possess a pistol or revolver or the
 29  3 ammunition therefor, which then may be lawfully used.  Current
 29  4 law prohibits a parent or guardian or spouse who is 21 years
 29  5 of age or older from allowing a minor under 14 years of age
 29  6 from possessing a pistol, revolver, or the ammunition. This
 29  7 provision takes effect upon enactment.
 29  8    Except for the circumstances under Code section 724.22(4)
 29  9 (security personnel) or Code section 724.22(5), under current
 29 10 law, a person who sells, loans, gives, or makes available a
 29 11 pistol or revolver or ammunition for a pistol or revolver to a
 29 12 person below the age of 21 commits a serious misdemeanor for a
 29 13 first offense and a class "D" felony for second and subsequent
 29 14 offenses.
 29 15    PERMIT TO CARRY AND PERMIT TO ACQUIRE RECORDS ====
 29 16 CONFIDENTIALITY.  Current law requires the commissioner of
 29 17 public safety to maintain a permanent record of all valid
 29 18 permits to carry weapons and of current permit revocations.
 29 19    The bill provides in Code section 724.23 that,
 29 20 notwithstanding any other law or rule to the contrary, the
 29 21 commissioner of public safety and any issuing officer (county
 29 22 sheriff) shall keep confidential personally identifiable
 29 23 information of holders of permits to carry weapons and
 29 24 permits to acquire firearms. The release of any confidential
 29 25 information, except as otherwise provided in the bill, requires
 29 26 a court order or the consent of the person whose personally
 29 27 identifiable information is the subject of the information
 29 28 request. The bill does not prohibit release of statistical
 29 29 information relating to the issuance, denial, revocation, or
 29 30 administration of nonprofessional permits to carry weapons and
 29 31 permits to acquire firearms if such information does not reveal
 29 32 the identity of any individual permit holder, the release
 29 33 of information to a law enforcement agency investigating a
 29 34 violation of law or where probable cause exists, the release
 29 35 for purposes of conducting a background check, or the release
 30  1 of information relating to the validity of a professional
 30  2 permit to carry weapons to an employer who requires an employee
 30  3 or an agent of the employer to possess a professional permit to
 30  4 carry weapons as part of the duties of the employee or agent.
 30  5 This provision applies to holders of nonprofessional permits to
 30  6 carry weapons and permits to acquire firearms and to applicants
 30  7 for nonprofessional permits to carry weapons and permits to
 30  8 acquire firearms on or after the effective date of the bill.
 30  9 This provision takes effect upon enactment.
 30 10    FRAUDULENT PURCHASE OF FIREARMS OR AMMUNITION.  The bill
 30 11 provides that a person who knowingly solicits, persuades,
 30 12 encourages, or entices a licensed firearms dealer or private
 30 13 seller of firearms or ammunition to transfer a firearm or
 30 14 ammunition under circumstances that the person knows would
 30 15 violate the laws of this state or of the United States commits
 30 16 a class "D" felony.  A person who knowingly provides materially
 30 17 false information to a licensed firearms dealer or private
 30 18 seller of firearms or ammunition with the intent to deceive the
 30 19 firearms dealer or seller about the legality of a transfer of a
 30 20 firearm or ammunition commits a class "D" felony.  Any person
 30 21 who willfully procures another to engage in conduct prohibited
 30 22 by this Code section shall be held accountable as a principal.
 30 23    The Code section does not apply to a law enforcement officer
 30 24 acting in the officer's official capacity or to a person acting
 30 25 at the direction of such law enforcement officer.
 30 26    This new Code section takes effect upon enactment.
 30 27    RULES.  The bill specifies that the department of public
 30 28 safety shall adopt rules pursuant to Code chapter 17A to
 30 29 administer Code chapter 724.
       LSB 1099SV (3) 86
       jm/rj