Latest State to Restore Gun Rights

Fairfax, Va.— The National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA) today applauded Gov. Terry Branstad for signing House File 517 (HF517) into law. The newly enacted law strengthens Iowans’ fundamental right to self-defense and follows a national trend to expand Second Amendment rights.

“It is a great day for freedom. Today, Iowa joined the nationwide movement to expand law-abiding citizens’ constitutional right to self-protection,” said Chris W. Cox, executive director, NRA-ILA. “The NRA and our five million members thank the Iowa Legislature and Gov. Branstad for working to strengthen Iowans’ Second Amendment rights so they have the freedom to protect themselves and their families.”

Included in HF 517:

Stand Your Ground – Under HF 517 a law-abiding citizen would have no duty to retreat from any place where the person is lawfully present before using force to defend themselves.

Fourth Amendment protections in regards to “going armed with intent” – HF 517 clarifies that the intent element for the crime of “going armed with a dangerous weapon with intent to use it without justification,” a Class D felony under state law, cannot be presumed or inferred from the mere carrying or concealment of a firearm on or about the person or in a vehicle.

Capitol Carry – Prevents the director of the Department of Administrative Services from prohibiting the otherwise lawful carrying, transportation, or possession of any handgun in or on any capitol buildings.

Restricting State of Emergency Powers – Prevents the governor, any state official, an official of any political subdivision acting at the direction of thegovernor, and other officials from exercising powers during a proclaimed state of emergency to prohibit, regulate, or curtail the otherwise lawful possession, carrying, transportation, transfer or defensive use of firearms or ammunition, or to seize or confiscate legally possessed firearms and ammunition.

Youth Shooting and Parental Rights – HF 517 would give Iowa youth the ability to learn handgun safety only “under the direct supervision” of a parent or other specified responsible, authorized adult in a safe and responsible way.

Permit Privacy – The bill restricts the use and disclosure of information acquired about holders of nonprofessional permits to carry weapons and permits to acquire firearms. The commissioner of public safety and any issuing officer (county sheriff) would be required to keep confidential all personally identifiable information about such individuals, except for expressly authorized disclosures.

Numerous additional changes to the laws regarding concealed carry and the permitting process.



Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America's oldest civil rights and sportsmen's group. More than five million members strong, NRA continues to uphold the Second Amendment and advocates enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime. The Association remains the nation's leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the armed services. Be sure to follow the NRA on Facebook at NRA on Facebook and Twitter @NRA.