Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds on Friday signed a law that loosens gun ownership regulations, eliminating the need for a license to buy or carry weapons in the state.
The new law goes into effect on July 1, with many calling it a “constitutional carry” bill.
“Today I signed a law protecting the Second Amendment rights of Iowa law-abiding citizens, while still avoiding the sale of firearms to criminals and other dangerous individuals,” Reynolds said in a statement on Friday afternoon.
ARCHIVE – In this July 7, 2020 archive photo, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds speaks during a news conference in Urbandale, Iowa. (AP Photo / Charlie Neibergall, Archive)
The Republican acknowledged that the bill will not prevent “malicious actors” from purchasing revolvers, but will protect the rights of its citizens.
The bill does not offer general freedom to buy weapons without any obstacles.
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According to the previous law, a citizen would need to undergo a background check to obtain a license, which was required to purchase or carry firearms. The new law still requires background checks or authorizations for federally licensed resellers, but it no longer requires them for individual sellers.
Proponents of the project say that Iowa residents would still obtain permits to carry their weapons in other states that have reciprocal agreements with Iowa, the Iowa State Daily reported.
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Democrats and armed violence prevention groups have asked Reynolds to veto the legislation.
“A person might be able to buy a firearm from a private seller without a background check and then transport that firearm anywhere in public without any form of firearms proficiency training if this project passes” , said Zach Wahls, D-Coralville, said Reynolds on a call, according to the Des Moines Register.
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Wahls also mentioned earlier comments made by Reynolds in support of Iowa’s current gun law: In 2018, Reynolds said Iowa had “reasonable and accountable gun laws”.
Reynolds reiterated his position in 2019, when he refused to support similar legislation, claiming that background checks and permits were “the right thing to do”, according to The Gazette.
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Asked about these statements recently, Reynolds acknowledged that, in the past, she said the policies in place were good, but that she would review the new legislation as it was presented.
Tennessee must also allow the transport of firearms without permission for adults 21 and older, with Republican Governor Bill Lee signing the recently approved bill.