Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF2083

Introduced
1/22/24  
Introduced
1/22/24  

Caption

A bill for an act authorizing a county attorney to be issued a professional permit to carry weapons.(See HF 2570.)

Impact

The bill's enactment is expected to broaden the scope of authorization for county attorneys concerning weapon possession, challenging existing statutes that may not have previously recognized these legal roles as justifying armed carry. The requirement that applicants must also successfully complete a proficiency examination aligns the county attorneys with peace officers, thereby raising the standard for professional competence in the field of weapon handling.

Summary

House File 2083 introduces a framework for issuing professional permits to county attorneys and assistant county attorneys in Iowa, allowing them to carry weapons. Under this bill, a county attorney or assistant county attorney may apply for a permit that enables them to carry a weapon anytime and anywhere in the state, including school grounds. The bill stipulates that applications for assistant county attorneys must receive approval from the county attorney they serve under, thereby creating a structured hierarchy in the permitting process.

Contention

Debate around HF2083 may likely focus on the implications of enhancing the arming capabilities of county attorneys, with some arguing for the necessity of such measures in protecting legal officials and others raising concerns about increased firearm presence in public spaces, particularly schools. Potential contention could also arise from the logistics of the proficiency examination requirements and whether the costs associated with them may act as a barrier for some applicants.

Significance

Overall, HF2083 signifies a pivotal shift in how law enforcement entities, particularly legal representatives, can engage with the firearm regulation landscape. This bill not only seeks to empower county attorneys in their legal duties but may also catalyze discussions regarding public safety, the responsibilities of legal professionals, and community trust in the justice system.

Companion Bills

IA HF2570

Similar To A bill for an act authorizing a county attorney to be issued a professional permit to carry weapons. (Formerly HF 2083.) Effective date: 07/01/2024.

Previously Filed As

IA HF2570

A bill for an act authorizing a county attorney to be issued a professional permit to carry weapons. (Formerly HF 2083.) Effective date: 07/01/2024.

IA HSB166

A bill for an act authorizing a judicial officer to be issued a professional permit to carry weapons.(See HF 530.)

IA HSB168

A bill for an act authorizing a judicial officer to be issued a professional permit to carry weapons.

IA HF530

A bill for an act authorizing a member of the general assembly, judicial officer, attorney general, deputy attorney general, or an assistant attorney general to be issued a professional permit to carry weapons. (Formerly HSB 166.)

IA HF2586

A bill for an act relating to school security, including the use of school security personnel by school districts and authorizing school employees to be issued professional permits to carry weapons, and including effective date provisions. (Formerly HSB 675.) Effective date: 04/19/2024, 07/01/2024.

IA HSB675

A bill for an act relating to school security, including by requiring certain school districts to employ or retain school security personnel, establishing the school security personnel grant program within the department of education, and authorizing school employees to be issued professional permits to carry weapons.(See HF 2586.)

IA HSB173

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 HF 654.)

IA HF654

A bill for an act relating to the carrying, transportation, and possession of and educational programs about weapons, and including effective date provisions. (Formerly HSB 173.)

IA HSB262

A bill for an act relating to the minimum age for acquiring or carrying weapons.(See HF 924.)

IA SSB1168

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.)

Similar Bills

IL SB2087

STATES ATTY-PEACE OFCR-PRIVACY

IL SB3671

STATES ATTY-PEACE OFCR-PRIVACY

CA SB605

State attorneys and administrative law judges: compensation.

CA AB1163

Minors: power of attorney to care for a minor child.

CA SB1109

Adoption.

CA SB710

District attorneys: conflicts of interest.

CA AB2083

Public utilities: rates.

CA AB894

Attorney General: directors and employees: exemption from civil service.