Protecting your constitutional rights

Last week had a lot of floor debate due to the second funnel concluding. It was great seeing former senators in the chamber this week as they returned to the Statehouse for the Pioneer Lawmaker celebration. The Pioneer Lawmaker event is held every General Assembly to honor lawmakers, legislative staff and reporters for their service and contribution to our great state. The ceremony was held Wednesday in the Iowa House during a joint session of the legislature. On Wednesday night, the Iowa Senate played host to the 50th Memorial Service, which recognized former lawmakers who have passed away. This event was well attended by current and past legislators and the family members of those recognized and honored.

The gun omnibus bill, House File 517, was debated in the Senate last week. This legislation is the product of years of development by legislators in cooperation with constituents and other interested groups. Many long hours have been spent going over the language and provisions. For years, we have been waiting to have debates regarding the Second Amendment on the Senate floor, but were rarely given the opportunity. This year, we were finally able to make the major reforms that had been envisioned and take the first step in ensuring every Iowan’s Second Amendment rights are protected.

The bill makes several changes to a variety of firearms laws in Iowa. A few of these include striking the state prohibition on short-barreled rifles and shotguns, allowing private investigators and security officers who are licensed and have a permit to carry to do so on school property while engaged in performance of their duties (like peace officers, who are already allowed to do this), and allowing pistols and revolvers to be carried in the Capitol building and surrounding grounds and parking lots by Iowans with a concealed carry permit. The pistol or revolver must be concealed and the carrier must comply with all other state laws.

It also makes it a serious misdemeanor to carry a dangerous weapon while under the influence, states a permit to acquire weapons will be valid for five years, strikes the minimum age for a person to possess a handgun while under the supervision of a parent or guardian and requires the Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the issuing officer to keep personally identifiable information of nonprofessional permit holders private. The release of this information requires a court order or consent of the permit holder. The bill also allows a person riding a snowmobile or ATV to carry a pistol or revolver without a retention holster and it protects property owners in unincorporated areas from noise complaints if they are lawfully shooting firearms on their property.

Additionally, the bill also puts into Iowa Code a “Stand Your Ground” provision. I have received many emails and phone calls about this part of the bill. This policy says a person may use reasonable force, including deadly force, if they have a reasonable belief the force is necessary to avoid injury or death to themselves or others. There is no duty to retreat. This provision also includes immunity from criminal and civil liability.

This bill passed the Senate 33-17. Passing this legislation on the floor of the Senate was a big step forward for our state. If you have questions about the bill, please do not hesitate to contact me.

State Budget Begins
to Take Shape

Budget targets for the upcoming state fiscal year were released last week. These targets are the first step in determining how the expected tax dollars Iowans send to their state government are spent. The targets are an outline of the budget and they give the different budget areas the amount of money available to spend for the next fiscal year.

This year House and Senate Republicans plan to spend $7.245 billion. These funds cover everything from public university spending and K-12 education to state troopers and fuel pump inspectors. This budget is $14 million lower than last year and represents Senate Republican’s commitment to funding the priorities of Iowans. Earlier this session, Senate Republicans allocated $40.1 million in new spending on Iowa public schools. This budget keeps that promise even after revenue projections continued to decline.

The budget outline also acknowledges the reality of the state’s current revenue situation. Revenue projections have been lowered for the last five consecutive estimates. A cautious and conservative approach to spending state dollars is more important now than ever. Mid-year budget cuts are especially challenging to schools and state agencies because they have no chance to plan for lower budget commitments made by the legislature. Realistic funding promises limit the need for those even more difficult choices next year.

Just as you must do in your home, we will not pass a state budget that is not balanced. We will not make reckless budgeting decisions in the face of consistently declining revenue and will operate the state budget like the family budget. When revenue is lower than expected, spending should be lower as well.

Contact Sen. Amy Sinclair
at 641-870-0199
or amy.sinclair@legis.iowa.gov