Iowa Senate Bill SSB1168

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/21/23
• Refer: 2/21/23

Caption

A bill for an act relating to the transferring, carrying, transportation, and possession of weapons by certain persons and in certain locations, and including effective date provisions.(See SF 543.)

Impact

The proposed legislation also permits schools to allow authorized persons to carry firearms on school grounds, which can lead to significant changes in how schools manage safety and security. This could enhance the presence of armed individuals at schools but may provoke community concerns over potential risks associated with increased firearm access in educational settings. Furthermore, the bill includes provisions that eliminate penalties associated with presenting firearms in specified public transport scenarios, including snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles.

Summary

Senate Study Bill 1168 aims to amend current legislation concerning the transfer, carrying, transportation, and possession of firearms and dangerous weapons in various contexts. The bill encompasses multiple divisions that modify the way firearms are handled in workplaces, schools, and public areas. A key aspect includes allowing employees to keep firearms in their locked cars while on their employer's premises, provided these firearms remain out of sight. This shifts liability away from employers, making them immune from legal claims resulting from firearms brought onto their premises by employees.

Contention

Notable arguments against the bill arise from concerns surrounding public safety and the implications of having more firearms accessible in everyday environments. Critics argue that the changes could compromise the safety of students and employees in educational institutions and workplaces. Proponents assert that the adjustments provide necessary rights to individuals, empowering them in self-defense situations. The bill's provisions on employer liability and insurance coverage for schools emitting umbrellas of protection for schools against insurance denial based on firearm presence highlight the competing priorities of gun rights versus safety protocols in public environments.