HF 2398 (LSB 5128HH (5) 91)

HOUSE FILE 2398

BY  GEARHART, DIEKEN, FETT, STONE, and BRADLEY

A BILL FOR

An Act relating to the authorized possession of firearms on school property, including for certain drivers of school vehicles, firearms locked in vehicles, and retired peace officers, and including effective date provisions.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:

    Section 1.  NEW SECTION.  285.17  Weapons in school vehicles transporting pupils.
   When transportation is provided pursuant to this chapter, a driver shall not permit firearms or other weapons, nor ammunition, to be carried in the passenger compartment of any school vehicle transporting pupils except when the school district or nonpublic school authorizes or directs a person to carry, transport, or possess a firearm, other weapon, or ammunition in the school vehicle.
    Sec. 2.  Section 724.4B, subsection 2, Code 2026, is amended by adding the following new paragraphs:
   NEW PARAGRAPH.  i.  A person, whether a driver or passenger and including a person authorized or directed pursuant to section 285.17, while the person is dropping off or picking up from a school a student, staff member, or other person having business at the school, or while the person is making a delivery or pickup at a school, who has in the person’s possession a valid permit to carry weapons issued pursuant to section 724.7, while going armed with, carrying, or transporting a concealed pistol or revolver if the concealed pistol or revolver remains in the vehicle and the vehicle remains on the portion of the grounds of the school that comprises its driveways and parking areas. The vehicle shall be locked when unattended.
   NEW PARAGRAPH.  j.  A person retired for purposes of chapter 97A or 411, or section 97B.49B or 97B.49C, after service as a peace officer who retired in good standing, who maintains certification, and who, during the most recent twelve-month period, has met the standards for qualifications in firearm safety training determined by the state agency or political subdivision that the person formerly served.
    Sec. 3.  EFFECTIVE DATE.  This Act, being deemed of immediate importance, takes effect upon enactment.
EXPLANATION
The inclusion of this explanation does not constitute agreement with

the explanation’s substance by the members of the general assembly.
   This bill relates to the authorized possession of firearms on school property, including for certain drivers of school vehicles, firearms locked in vehicles, and retired peace officers.
   Under current administrative rules, the driver of a school vehicle transporting pupils shall not permit firearms or other weapons, nor ammunition, to be carried in the passenger compartment. The bill allows a school district or nonpublic school to authorize or direct a person to carry, transport, or possess a firearm, other weapon, or ammunition in a school vehicle.
   Current law generally prohibits a person from going armed with, carrying, or transporting a firearm of any kind, whether concealed or not, on the grounds of a school. The bill authorizes a person, whether a driver or passenger and including a person authorized or directed pursuant to the bill, while the person is dropping off or picking up from a school a student, staff member, or other person having business at the school, or while the person is making a delivery or pickup at a school, who has in the person’s possession a valid permit to carry weapons to go armed with, carry, or transport a concealed pistol or revolver on school grounds if the concealed pistol or revolver remains in the vehicle and the vehicle remains on the portion of the grounds of the school that comprises its driveways and parking areas. The vehicle shall be locked when unattended. The bill also authorizes a retired peace officer to go armed with, carry, or transport a firearm on the grounds of a school if the retired peace officer retired in good standing, maintains certification, and, during the most recent 12-month period, has met the standards for qualifications in firearm safety training determined by the state agency or political subdivision that the individual formerly served.
   The bill takes effect upon enactment.