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Capitol Notebook: Iowa Senate amends parking lot gun bill; measure heads to House
Also, cities could create ‘social districts’ allowing public alcohol consumption from nearby bars and restaurants under House-passed bill
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DES MOINES — The Iowa Senate on Tuesday approved an amended version of Senate File 2263, scaling back a proposal that would have allowed lawful gun owners to keep firearms in locked vehicles across a wide range of public parking lots, including those at schools and higher education institutions.
The Senate struck provisions applying to K-12 schools, community colleges and public universities. As revised, the bill focuses on allowing individuals who are legally permitted to carry a firearm to keep a weapon in a locked vehicle in certain government-operated parking lots, such as those run by the state, counties or cities.
The chamber passed Senate File 2263 on a 35-12 vote. Republican Sens. Doug Campbell of Mason City and Charlie McClintock of Alburnett joined Democrats in opposition. The bill now moves to the House, where lawmakers are considering separate legislation — House File 621 — that would allow adults dropping off or picking up children, or making deliveries, to keep loaded firearms in their vehicles on school grounds.
House File 621 is Republican lawmakers' latest attempt to make it easier to bring weapons onto school grounds after similar legislation failed last year.
During floor debate on Senate File 2263, Democrats raised concerns about expanding firearm access in public spaces.
Sen. Herman Quirmbach, D-Ames, argued that some government locations warrant restrictions.
“I think that it is prudent for our county governments, or state governments, city governments, to impose some modest restrictions on where firearms can be brought,” he said, citing examples like jail and county courthouse parking lots that can be flashpoints for conflict.
Quirmbach also objected to provisions allowing loaded firearms in vehicles transporting foster children.
“The idea of legalizing driving around with a child in foster care and a loaded firearm is just asking for trouble,” he said. “That’s not proper care. That's not proper supervision of that foster child.
Sen. Art Staed, D-Cedar Rapids, pointed to data showing firearms stolen from vehicles are a significant source of illegal guns.
“Cars in public lots … can be targeted by thieves, turning legally owned guns into weapons used in crimes,” Staed said, adding that government facilities have a responsibility to maintain safe environments.
Republicans defended the measure as a matter of constitutional rights. Sen. Jason Schultz, R-Schleswig, the bill’s floor manager, said the proposal ensures Iowans can carry firearms without having to disarm when visiting public facilities.
“We’re talking about allowing law-abiding Iowans to go about and exercise their constitutional rights,” Schultz said, arguing that foster children “deserve the same level of protection” as others.
In a separate vote, the Senate also passed a bill would allow members of the General Assembly, judicial officers and attorneys general to obtain professional permits to carry firearms throughout the state, including locations otherwise restricted, such as school grounds. Senate File 2280 passed 45-2.
The permits would be issued through county sheriffs, who could require applicants to complete a proficiency examination at their own expense.
Sens. Molly Donahue, D-Marion, and Doug Campbell, R-Mason City, voted against the measure.
The bill also increases penalties for threats against public officials, making such threats a Class C felony, and creates a serious misdemeanor for the malicious sharing of personal information of certain officials and their immediate family members. It further clarifies that making threats against elected and certain appointed officials constitutes harassment.
Both measures now advance for further consideration in the House.
Gov. Reynolds orders flags lowered in honor of Rev. Jesse Jackson
Gov. Kim Reynolds has ordered all flags in Iowa to be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset Friday in honor of civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson, who died Feb. 17 at age 84.
In a statement, Reynolds recognized Jackson as a pivotal figure in the American civil rights movement, praising his lifelong advocacy for peace, justice and equality.
“His legacy will continue to inspire generations of Americans,” she said.
Flags will be lowered on the State Capitol and across the Capitol Complex, as well as on public buildings, grounds and facilities statewide. Residents, businesses, schools and local governments also are encouraged to observe the tribute by flying flags at half-staff.
Bill would ban noncompete clauses for UI Health Care physicians
House lawmakers also passed a bill that would prohibit noncompete agreements for physicians employed by University of Iowa Health Care.
House File 2254 cleared the chamber on a 70-19 vote, with all “no” votes coming from Democrats.
Rep. Ann Meyer, R-Fort Dodge, who managed the bill, said the measure is intended to help retain physicians in Iowa, where lawmakers say workforce shortages persist. Supporters argue that eliminating noncompete clauses will make it easier for doctors to remain in Iowa rather than leave for other opportunities.
Rep. Ross Wilburn, D-Ames, said he generally opposes noncompete agreements and supported the bill, but questioned why the proposal is limited to physicians at UI Health Care rather than extended to other health professionals or systems.
Meyer said lawmakers opted to begin with public institutions but may consider expanding the policy in the future.
“The reason we're starting with (UIHC) is because it's our public institutions that we fund,” she said. “I am more than willing to open this up next year to other institutions, because we have bigger hospital systems that we talked about in the state that are open that have satellites everywhere. So we would lose talent from the state, which we can't afford to lose doctors. … We're 44th in the nation for the number of physicians per capita. So this is a start. We're starting with our public institution, and we'll look at going farther next year.”
The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.
House backs creation of ‘social districts’ for alcohol consumption
Cities could establish designated “social districts” where people could carry and consume alcoholic beverages from nearby restaurants and bars in certain public areas, under legislation passed by House lawmakers.
House File 2325 passed 86-3. Democrats Eric Gjerde of Cedar Rapids, Aime Wichtendahl of Hiawatha and Elinor Levin of Iowa City voted against it.
Under the legislation, cities could designate specific districts where alcohol consumption would be permitted on public roadways, sidewalks and other public spaces, subject to local rules.
Rep. Taylor Collins, R-Mediapolis, said the measure would give communities more flexibility to support local businesses and create vibrant gathering spaces. Rep. Adam Zabner, D-Iowa City, called it “a good bill” that offers economic development opportunities.
Cities adopting such districts would be required to set boundaries, establish permitted days and hours, regulate containers, outline rules for participating businesses and create enforcement and revocation provisions.
The bill specifies that it does not allow drinking in motor vehicles or outside designated times, and it does not override existing state alcohol laws. Businesses within a district would also retain the right to deny entry to patrons carrying alcohol purchased elsewhere.
The proposal now heads to the Senate.
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