IA
Iowa Senate Bill SF2253

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SF2253

Introduced
2/7/24  
Introduced
2/7/24  

Caption

A bill for an act establishing a mental health firearm safety fund.

Impact

The legislation allows HHS to award grants, capped at $5,000 per organization each fiscal year, to aid in the training of staff at firearms retailers and ranges. These grants will support initiatives such as making staff aware of potential suicide indicators, distributing suicide prevention materials, and offering voluntary temporary storage of firearms for owners experiencing mental health emergencies. This approach is expected to create a proactive framework for mitigating risks associated with firearms and mental health crises.

Summary

Senate File 2253 establishes a Mental Health Firearm Safety Fund in Iowa, designed to enhance firearm safety through mental health awareness initiatives. This fund aims to provide financial support to organizations working to recognize and address mental health issues that could lead to firearm-related incidents, particularly suicide. The fund will be administered by the state's Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and will be financed through appropriations from the state legislature as well as other funds that may be secured by HHS.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support for its focus on mental health and firearm safety, it may face pushback over the allocation of resources and how effectively the funds will be utilized by recipient organizations. Critics might argue that simply providing financial support does not guarantee successful implementation of training or prevention programs, raising questions about accountability and the measurable impact of such initiatives. Additionally, there could be concerns regarding the accessibility of these funds to smaller organizations that help local communities.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

IA SB281

In firearms and other dangerous articles, providing for firearm safety certificate and establishing the Firearm Safety and Enforcement Fund.

IA HB1250

In firearms and other dangerous articles, providing for firearm safety certificate and establishing the Firearm Safety and Enforcement Fund; and imposing penalties.

IA AB173

Grants to prevent suicide by firearm and making an appropriation. (FE)

IA SB205

Grants to prevent suicide by firearm and making an appropriation. (FE)

IA AB28

Firearms and ammunition: excise tax.

IA AB18

Firearms and ammunition: excise tax.

IA AB1223

Firearms and ammunition: excise tax.

IA HSB215

A bill for an act relating to matters under the purview of the department of health and human services, including administrative services organizations, child foster care, child and dependent adult abuse, internal audit and examination information, and the region incentive fund in the mental health and disability services regional service fund, and making an appropriation and including effective date provisions.(See HF 757, HF 1014, HF 1042.)

IA SSB1171

A bill for an act relating to matters under the purview of the department of health and human services, including administrative services organizations, child foster care, child and dependent adult abuse, internal audit and examination information, and the region incentive fund in the mental health and disability services regional service fund, and making an appropriation and including effective date provisions.(See SF 582, SF 620, SF 641.)

IA HB1123

Funding for School Safety Firearm Detection Systems

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.