Capitol Highlights

Update on HF 517
On Tuesday, March 7, the House passed HF 517 which greatly improves the laws regarding concealed carry and 2nd Amendment rights. HF 517 makes positive changes to several portions of Iowa’s gun regulations. Below are several improvements to Iowa code made by HF 517:
- HF 517 strikes the state prohibition on short-barreled rifles and shot guns
- It creates uniformity in the issuance of carrying permits across the state.
- It also states that firearms safety training is required in order to obtain a new permit, but not to renew an already acquired permit
- Permits to acquire will now be valid for a period of 5 years
- The Governor and political subdivisions are prohibited from revoking firearms rights in a state of emergency under this bill
- Children under the age of 14 are permitted to possess a handgun while under the supervision of a parent or guardian. This changes current law which does not allow children under 14 to handle a firearm. HF 517 explicitly states that children shall be under supervision while handling a firearm.
- HF 517 strikes code language which requires a person in possession of a firearm to flee in a dangerous situation. Under HF 517, a person may use reasonable force, including deadly force, if they have a reasonable belief that force is necessary to avoid injury or death to themselves or others. Under this bill, there is no duty to retreat. A person may be wrong in their estimation of force as long as there is a reasonable basis for the belief. The purpose of this provision is to allow citizens of Iowa to defend themselves and their families, especially in their own homes, without being required to retreat.
I firmly support the right of American citizens to keep and bear arms as outlined in the Second Amendment and I was proud to support the passage of this bill.
HF 516 (HSB 93)
On Thursday, March 9, the House passed HF 516 which improves the integrity and modernization of the election process in our state. This bill requires an acceptable form of ID to be presented at the polls in order to vote. HF 516 also implements the use of E-poll Books to modernize and streamline the voting process and eliminates straight-ticket voting from Iowa ballots. The constitutionally protected right of American citizens to vote is a right that is valuable and should be defended and protected. HF 516 protects the right of citizens by reducing instances of voter fraud through the requirement of an ID. The United States is currently facing increased issues with illegal immigration, and there is a lack of cooperation on the part of various cities when it comes to submitting to federal immigration laws. As a result, I believe it is time for the state to implement more rigorous election laws to ensure that only legitimate American citizens are participating in elections. I believe this bill will help to protect the voting rights of Iowans and make our election process even more effective for the good of our state.
HF 372
This past Tuesday, the House passed HF 372 which pertains to right turns on red lights and updates the current code. Currently, if there are two designated right turn lanes, only the innermost lane can turn right on a red onto a one-way street. This bill now allows for both designated right-turn lanes to turn right on a red light onto a one-way as long as it can be done safely. It also allows for a left turn on a red light onto a one-way as well as striking out the provision that the turn must be made into the innermost lane.
HF396
HF 396 modifies the law regarding child foster care. Under current law, relatives of a child are excluded from providing foster care for the child. Under current law, if a child is placed with a relative who is a licensed foster parent, their stay is not recognized as foster care. This bill modifies the definition of child foster care to include a relative who is a licensed foster parent. As a result of this bill a foster parent who is related to their foster child will still be eligible to receive the expected monetary assistance as a licensed foster parent. I believe that this bill will benefit children in the foster system by allowing them to be placed with relatives who are licensed foster parents.
HF 69
This bill changes trespassing from a simple misdemeanor with a fine between $65 and $625 to a simple misdemeanor with a scheduled fine of $200 for a fist violation, $500 for the second violation and $1,000 for a third or subsequent violation. The purpose of this bill is to increase the fines for trespassing in order to protect the people of our state from trespassers on private property.