The NRA and Iowa Firearms Coalition (IFC) have been working with your state legislators to protect and advance your firearms freedoms in Des Moines. With important legislative deadlines fast approaching, your state lawmakers need to hear from you soon. Respectfully remind your state legislators that this issue is of the utmost importance to Iowans and the time for legislative action is now. Your calls and e-mails make the difference, so call and e-mail your state Senator and Representative today.
Iowa is one of only six states without a state constitutional Right to Keep and Bear Arms provision, and Iowans need a STRONG amendment and its protections now more than ever to defend and restore gun rights which are under constant assault. House Joint Resolution 4, introduced by state Representative Matt Windschitl (R-17), would provide these protections. All proposed restrictions to any of your fundamental rights should be subject to a standard that ensures the strongest possible protection for your rights, and your fundamental right to keep and bear arms is no exception! HJR 4 needs your support, encourage your state Representative to courageously stand up for your rights and the rights of all Iowans by supporting a STRONG Right to Keep and Bear Arms constitutional amendment.
The NRA has also been working with Representative Windschitl to make civilian ownership of suppressors legal under Iowa law with House File 384. However, this bill, along with all firearm-related bills, is facing an uphill battle in the Senate which has not passed a pro-gun bill in several years! The NRA has been working with pro-gun Senators to facilitate this change, but the Senate leadership needs to know that firearms rights are important to you and must be important to the people you send to your Senate to represent you. Please contact your state Senator and politely encourage their support in this process.
Firearm suppressors, also referred to as "silencers,” are currently illegal to own under Iowa state law -- with limited exceptions -- despite the fact that they are legal to own under federal law and in 39 states. While they do not eliminate the sound of a firearm, suppressors do reduce the muzzle report of the gun much in the same way that a muffler reduces exhaust noise from a car or truck. The benefits associated with suppressor use include increased accuracy due to reduced recoil and muzzle blast, protection from hearing damage and reduced noise pollution. Noise complaints are being used more frequently as an excuse to close shooting ranges, informal shooting areas and hunting lands throughout the country. Increased use of suppressors will help to eliminate many of these complaints and protect hunting and shooting areas well into the future. Suppressors are an effective means of reducing hearing loss among shooters. This session, tell your state legislators: The facts are clear. Iowans deserve the freedom to choose and use these beneficial safety devices.
Please know your NRA is diligently monitoring Second Amendment legislation in Iowa. As always, keep an eye on the NRA-ILA website and your e-mail for up to date information on all firearms issues.