Iowa: Range Protection and Preemption Bill Passes House Subcommittee

On February 10^th, a subcommittee of the House Public Safety Committee voted to send House Study Bill 615 to the full committee. It protects shooting ranges from being shut down by unreasonable local ordinances and ensures that Second Amendment rights remain protected across the state. Please contact committee members and ask them to support HSB 615.

House Study Bill 615 establishes a new section in the state code protecting shooting ranges from onerous or burdensome zoning regulations. Countless law-abiding citizens utilize shooting ranges to practice marksmanship skills, to ensure that their self-defense and sporting arms are in order, for recreation, and to teach the responsible use of and respect for firearms to others. This legislation ensures that safe shooting ranges remain available for the pursuit of these goals.

In addition, HSB 615 also strengthens Iowa’s firearm preemption law by affirming that modifications, firearm attachments, and other weapons are also protected. Preemption legislation is designed to stop municipalities from creating a patchwork of different laws throughout the state that may potentially turn a law-abiding citizen into a criminal for simply crossing a jurisdictional line. It also ensures that Second Amendment rights are equally protected for all Iowans, regardless of where they reside.

Again, please contact committee members and ask them to support HSB 615.