Iowa Governor Chet Culver says he?ll sign gun permit bill SF-2379 into law!

[quixnet]

http://www.radioiowa.com/2010/04/26/governor-says-hell-sign-gun-permit-bill-into-law/

Iowa's Radio News Network
Governor says he?ll sign gun permit bill into law
by Radio Iowa Contributor on April 26, 2010

in Crime & Courts, Politics & Government

Governor Chet Culver said today he?ll sign into law a bill that would set a statewide standard for issuing permits to Iowans who want to carry a concealed weapon. Under current law, Iowa?s 99 county sheriffs get to decide who can and cannot get a concealed weapons permit. The new law will require a permit to be issued, in nearly every case, if the applicant has taken safety courses and hasn?t been convicted of a felony.

During his stop in Mason City today, Culver said he wants to make sure it?s a fair process statewide for those who apply for a permit.

?I?m a strong supporter of the Second Amendment,? Culver said. ?I think we have to level the playing field to make all of the rules universal in terms of concealed weapon permits in all 99 counties and I want to make sure that if people want a concealed weapon permit, and they are eligible for one, that they get one.?

Culver indicated he?ll sign the bill into law on Thursday.

By Bob Fisher, KRIB, Mason City  

[quixnet]

http://www.kcci.com/news/23270243/detail.html

Culver To Sign Concealed Weapons Measure

DES MOINES, Iowa -- Gov. Chet Culver has told The Associated Press he will sign into law a measure overhauling the way concealed weapon permits are issued.

The governor said he plans to sign the measure on Thursday.

He said he's always been a strong supporter of the Second Amendment, which protects the right to keep and bear arms. Culver also said telephone calls and e-mails to his office have run heavily in favor of the measure.

Currently, those seeking a permit to carry a concealed weapon must apply with their local sheriff, who has broad discretion to make the decision about whether to grant the permit.

The new law would require sheriffs to issue permits to applicants who meet a set standard and allows sheriffs to deny an application only for a specific set of reasons.

[DanClrk51]

Wonderful, its about time it gets signed.

[JimP]

Reciprocity part of this or no?

[DanClrk51]

Yes this new law turns Iowa from "May Issue" to "Shall Issue". It extends the concealed weapon permit from 1 year to 5 years and provides that Iowa will recognize ANY out of state permit among many other pro gun changes.

[Greybeard]

Iowa gun law signed

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) -- Gov. Chet Culver has signed into law an overhaul of Iowa's concealed weapons rules that make it more difficult for sheriffs to reject permit requests.

Speaking Thursday at a bill-signing ceremony, Culver maintained the measure struck an appropriate balance between the right to carry a gun and public safety.

The new law changes rules that had given sheriffs broad authority to reject concealed weapon permit applications. Sheriffs now will only be allowed to turn down applications for specific reasons, such as being a convicted felon or being declared mentally incompetent.

Thursday was his deadline for dealing with bills approved in this year's Legislature.

[Ronvandyn]

Good deal, so when does this become active?  I cross through Iowa every day on the way to work, and I would prefer a direct route rather than having to avoid the Carter Lake issue.

Ron

[Greybeard]

Afraid that you'll have to wait until 1 January 2011 for this law to take effect. For now I'm just celebrating that the governor did what the people wanted done!!!