Surprise, Surprise, Iowa Residents: Iowa Bill Would Eliminate Background Checks, Allow Permitless Carry

DES MOINES, IOWA — Legislators in the Iowa House are currently looking at a bill that would eliminate background checks as a prerequisite for a concealed carry permit. It would also allow Iowa residents who are legally allowed to possess firearms to carry concealed without a permit. In effect, Iowa could be looking at becoming the next permitless concealed carry state.

According to the Daily Caller, House Study Bill 133 looks to abolish previous requirements for a permit. It also allows teenagers of 14 years-of-age and older to use firearms under the direct supervision of a parent or legal guardian.

This opens up the Second Amendment to more Americans and also promotes child education of firearms — something that’s always needed.

As we discussed in a previous article, why don’t we introduce gun education as basic education? In a country that promotes responsible, law-abiding carrying of firearms, why wouldn’t we want teenagers to get the opportunity to actively learn about firearms first-hand?

The Iowa House Judiciary Committee approved HB 133 to go to the floor for debate. If passed, it would still need to pass the Senate and then the governor’s desk before getting signed into law.

While the permitting process would still remain for Iowans who want to travel out of state, it would drastically reduce the requirements for the average citizen to carry concealed at home.

Initial debate points issued by concerned Iowans include arguments such as police misidentifying law-abiding citizens.

Laural Clinton, of Des Moines, is concerned her three African-American children will be targeted as criminals even when they’re following legal procedure.

“I want you to understand that when you see my child, you’re not going to see a law-abiding citizen, and that’s inherently the history of our country,” Clinton said.

This fear could be appropriately addressed by instituting training initiatives within local and state police to ensure police are equipped with the necessary skills to handle those situations.

Education should and will always be a major component of responsible gun ownership.

This extends from law enforcement to the individual.

Just because Iowa is looking at permitless concealed carry shouldn’t mean an individual avoids training. For a lot of first-time and experienced gun owners, firearm safety courses can be both a method to expand and correct previous knowledge as well as be the incentive for an individual to practice more vigorously.

The rights of the citizen ought not be infringed where no significant, verifiable claim exists to act as argument to impede it. As of present, no quantifiable arguments appear on the horizon. We may, as Americans, have to acknowledge the fact that despite gun violence and gun injury rates, we are ready, willing, and able to tackle responsible concealed carry.