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House File 654 - IntroducedA Bill ForAn Act 1relating to the carrying, transportation, and possession
2of weapons by certain persons and in certain locations, and
3including effective date provisions.
4BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:
1DIVISION I
2EMPLOYER POLICIES REGARDING FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION —
3DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS and other detention facilities —
4PARKING LOTS
5 Section 1. Section 719.7, subsection 3, paragraph a, Code
62023, is amended to read as follows:
7a. Knowingly introduces contraband into, or onto, the
8grounds of a secure facility for the detention or custody
9of juveniles, detention facility, jail, community-based
10correctional facility, correctional institution, or institution
11under the management of the department of corrections. This
12paragraph does not prohibit the otherwise lawful carrying,
13transportation, or possession of a firearm or ammunition if
14the firearm or ammunition remains out of sight and inside a
15locked vehicle on the real property comprising the publicly
16accessible, nonsecure parking lot of the facility, jail, or
17institution.
18 Sec. 2. NEW SECTION. 724.4F Limitation on employers —
19firearms and ammunition.
201. For purposes of this section:
21a. “Employee” means the same as defined in section 91A.2.
22“Employee” also includes a contract employee or volunteer.
23b. “Place of employment” includes any property, including
24a secure parking lot, that is used for parking motor vehicles
25and is available to an employer’s customers, employees, or
26invitees for temporary or long-term parking or storage of motor
27vehicles.
282. An employer shall not prohibit an employee from carrying,
29transporting, or possessing a firearm or ammunition if the
30firearm and ammunition are out of sight and inside a locked,
31privately owned motor vehicle on the real property comprising
32the employee’s place of employment and if the carrying,
33transportation, or possession of the firearm or ammunition is
34otherwise lawful under the laws of this state.
353. An employer, owner, or lawful possessor of the property
-1-1on which the employer is located shall be immune from any
2claim, cause of action, or lawsuit brought by any person
3seeking damages that are alleged, directly or indirectly, as a
4result of any firearm or ammunition brought onto the property
5of the employer, owner, or lawful possessor by an employee
6pursuant to this section.
74. An employer may prohibit an employee from carrying,
8transporting, or possessing a firearm or ammunition in a
9vehicle owned or leased by the employer or otherwise under the
10employer’s control or possession.
115. The prohibitions in this section shall apply to all
12private employers and to all state and local governmental
13entities of this state as defined in section 8A.101.
146. This section shall not apply to the extent that it
15violates federal or other state law or the terms of a contract
16with a federal entity.
17 Sec. 3. EFFECTIVE DATE. This division of this Act, being
18deemed of immediate importance, takes effect upon enactment.
19DIVISION II
20FIREARMS ON SCHOOL PROPERTY
21 Sec. 4. NEW SECTION. 285.17 Weapons in school vehicles
22transporting pupils.
23When transportation is provided pursuant to this chapter,
24a driver shall not permit firearms or other weapons, nor
25ammunition, to be carried in the passenger compartment of any
26school vehicle transporting pupils except when the school
27district or nonpublic school authorizes or directs a person
28to carry, transport, or possess a firearm, other weapon, or
29ammunition in the school vehicle.
30 Sec. 5. Section 724.4B, subsection 2, Code 2023, is amended
31by adding the following new paragraphs:
32 NEW PARAGRAPH. i. A person, whether a driver or passenger
33and including a person authorized or directed pursuant to
34section 285.17, while the person is dropping off or picking
35up from a school a student, staff member, or other person
-2-1having business at the school, or while the person is making
2a delivery or pickup at a school, who has in the person’s
3possession a valid permit to carry weapons issued pursuant
4to section 724.7, while going armed with, carrying, or
5transporting a concealed pistol or revolver if the concealed
6pistol or revolver remains in the vehicle and the vehicle
7remains on the portion of the grounds of the school that
8comprises its driveways and parking areas. The vehicle shall
9be locked when unattended.
10 NEW PARAGRAPH. j. A person retired under chapter 97A
11or 411, or section 97B.49B or 97B.49C, after service as a
12peace officer who retired in good standing, who maintains
13certification, and who, during the most recent twelve-month
14period, has met the standards for qualifications in firearm
15safety training determined by the state agency or political
16subdivision that the person formerly served.
17 Sec. 6. EFFECTIVE DATE. This division of this Act, being
18deemed of immediate importance, takes effect upon enactment.
19DIVISION III
20dangerous WEAPONS IN VEHICLES AT REGENTS UNIVERSITIES AND
21COMMUNITY COLLEGE CAMPUSES
22 Sec. 7. NEW SECTION. 260C.14B Limitation on authority —
23dangerous weapons.
24The board of directors of a community college shall comply
25with the requirements of section 724.8C regarding policies and
26rules relating to the carrying, transportation, or possession
27of dangerous weapons, as defined in section 702.7, in a
28personal vehicle on the grounds of the community college.
29 Sec. 8. NEW SECTION. 262.9E Limitation on authority —
30dangerous weapons.
31The state board of regents shall comply with the
32requirements of section 724.8C regarding policies and rules
33relating to the carrying, transportation, or possession of
34dangerous weapons, as defined in section 702.7, in a personal
35vehicle on the grounds of a university under the control of the
-3-1state board of regents.
2 Sec. 9. NEW SECTION. 724.8C Limitation on authority —
3dangerous weapons — public universities and community colleges.
4The governing board of a university under the control
5of the state board of regents as provided in chapter 262
6or a community college under the jurisdiction of a board
7of directors for a merged area as provided in chapter 260C
8shall not adopt or enforce any policy or rule that prohibits
9the carrying, transportation, or possession of any dangerous
10weapon, as defined in section 702.7, in a locked, personal
11vehicle on the grounds of such a college or university if the
12dangerous weapon is not visible from outside of the vehicle
13and such carrying, transportation, or possession is not
14otherwise prohibited under this chapter. A governing board
15of a university or community college shall be immune from
16any claim, cause of action, or lawsuit by a person seeking
17damages that are alleged, directly or indirectly, as a result
18of any concealed dangerous weapon brought onto the grounds of
19a university or college campus by a person pursuant to this
20section.
21DIVISION IV
22INSURANCE COVERAGE — firearms on school grounds
23 Sec. 10. NEW SECTION. 515.80 Nondenial of property and
24casualty insurance — schools.
251. For purposes of this section, unless the context
26otherwise requires:
27a. “Authorized insurer” means an insurer authorized by
28the commissioner of insurance to write property and casualty
29insurance under a certificate of authority issued by the
30commissioner to transact insurance in this state.
31b. “School” means a public or nonpublic school as defined
32in section 280.2.
332. No later than December 31, 2023, the commissioner of
34insurance shall adopt rules that prohibit an authorized insurer
35from denying property and casualty insurance to a school
-4-1based solely on the presence of a person authorized under
2section 724.4B, subsection 2, going armed with, carrying, or
3transporting a firearm on the grounds of a school.
43. The rules adopted by the commissioner of insurance under
5subsection 2 shall apply to all authorized insurers that, on or
6after January 1, 2024, deliver, issue for delivery, continue,
7or renew a property and casualty contract in this state for a
8school.
9DIVISION V
10guns IN VEHICLES ON PUBLIC HIGHWAYS
11 Sec. 11. Section 805.8B, subsection 3, paragraph q, Code
122023, is amended by striking the paragraph.
13 Sec. 12. REPEAL. Section 483A.36, Code 2023, is repealed.
14 Sec. 13. EFFECTIVE DATE. This division of this Act, being
15deemed of immediate importance, takes effect upon enactment.
16DIVISION VI
17CARRYING FIREARMS ON SNOWMOBILES AND ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLES
18 Sec. 14. Section 321G.13, subsection 2, Code 2023, is
19amended to read as follows:
202. a. A person shall not operate or ride a snowmobile with
21a firearm in the person’s possession unless it is unloaded and
22enclosed in a carrying case, except as otherwise provided.
23However, a nonambulatory person may carry an uncased and
24unloaded firearm while operating or riding a snowmobile.
25b. (1) A person may operate or ride a snowmobile with a
26loaded firearm, whether concealed or not, without a permit to
27carry weapons, if the person operates or rides on land owned,
28possessed, or rented by the person and the person’s conduct is
29otherwise lawful.
30(2) A person may operate or ride a snowmobile with a loaded
31pistol or revolver, whether concealed or not, if the person is
32operating or riding the snowmobile on land that is not owned,
33possessed, or rented by the person, and the person’s conduct is
34otherwise lawful.
35c. A person shall not discharge a firearm while on a
-5-1snowmobile, except that a nonambulatory person may discharge a
2firearm from a snowmobile while lawfully hunting if the person
3is not operating or riding a moving snowmobile.
4 Sec. 15. Section 321I.14, subsection 2, Code 2023, is
5amended to read as follows:
62. a. A person shall not operate or ride an all-terrain
7vehicle with a firearm in the person’s possession unless it is
8unloaded and enclosed in a carrying case, except as otherwise
9provided. However, a nonambulatory person may carry an uncased
10and unloaded firearm while operating or riding an all-terrain
11vehicle.
12b. (1) A person may operate or ride an all-terrain vehicle
13with a loaded firearm, whether concealed or not, without a
14permit to carry weapons, if the person operates or rides on
15land owned, possessed, or rented by the person and the person’s
16conduct is otherwise lawful.
17(2) A person may operate or ride an all-terrain vehicle with
18a loaded pistol or revolver, whether concealed or not, if the
19person is operating or riding the all-terrain vehicle on land
20that is not owned, possessed, or rented by the person, and the
21person’s conduct is otherwise lawful.
22c. A person shall not discharge a firearm while on an
23all-terrain vehicle, except that a nonambulatory person may
24discharge a firearm from an all-terrain vehicle while lawfully
25hunting if the person is not operating or riding a moving
26all-terrain vehicle.
27 Sec. 16. EFFECTIVE DATE. This division of this Act, being
28deemed of immediate importance, takes effect upon enactment.
29DIVISION VII
30FIREARMS ON PROPERTIES LICENSED TO CONDUCT GAMBLING GAMES OR
31SPORTS WAGERING
32 Sec. 17. NEW SECTION. 99D.7A Limitations on rules.
33Rules adopted pursuant to section 99D.7 shall not prohibit
34a licensee from authorizing a person to possess a firearm on
35the licensee’s property. This subsection does not prohibit
-6-1a licensee from adopting a policy limiting the possession of
2firearms on the licensee’s property.
3EXPLANATION
4The inclusion of this explanation does not constitute agreement with
5the explanation’s substance by the members of the general assembly.
6This bill relates to the carrying, transportation, and
7possession of weapons by certain persons and in certain
8locations. The bill is organized by divisions.
9DIVISION I — EMPLOYER POLICIES REGARDING FIREARMS AND
10AMMUNITION — DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS AND OTHER DETENTION
11FACILITIES — PARKING LOTS. The bill provides that the current
12prohibition against introducing contraband into, or onto,
13the grounds of certain facilities and institutions under the
14jurisdiction of the department of corrections does not apply to
15the otherwise lawful carrying, transportation, or possession of
16a firearm or ammunition if the firearm or ammunition remains
17out of sight and inside a locked vehicle on the real property
18comprising the publicly accessible, nonsecure parking lot of
19the secure facility, jail, or institution.
20The bill prohibits an employer from prohibiting an employee
21from carrying, possessing, or transporting a firearm or
22ammunition on the real property comprising the employee’s place
23of employment if the firearm or ammunition is out of sight
24and inside a locked, privately owned motor vehicle and if the
25carrying, transportation, or possession of the firearm or
26ammunition is otherwise lawful under the laws of this state.
27The bill defines “employee”, which includes a contract employee
28or volunteer. The bill provides that an employer, owner,
29or lawful possessor of the property on which the employer
30is located is immune from any claim, cause of action, or
31lawsuit seeking damages alleged as a result of any firearm
32brought onto the property of the employer, owner, or lawful
33possessor on which the employer is located by an employee. The
34bill provides situations for which an employer may prohibit
35the carrying, transportation, or possession of firearms and
-7-1ammunition.
2This division of the bill takes effect upon enactment.
3DIVISION II — FIREARMS ON SCHOOL PROPERTY. Under
4current administrative rules, the driver of a school vehicle
5transporting pupils shall not permit firearms or other weapons,
6nor ammunition, to be carried in the passenger compartment.
7The bill allows a school district or nonpublic school to
8authorize or direct a person to carry, transport, or possess a
9firearm, other weapon, or ammunition in a school vehicle.
10Current law generally prohibits a person from going
11armed with, carrying, or transporting a firearm of any kind,
12whether concealed or not, on the grounds of a school. The
13bill authorizes a person, whether a driver or passenger and
14including a person authorized or directed pursuant to the bill,
15while the person is dropping off or picking up from a school a
16student, staff member, or other person having business at the
17school, or while the person is making a delivery or pickup at a
18school, who has in the person’s possession a valid permit to
19carry weapons to go armed with, carry, or transport a concealed
20pistol or revolver on school grounds if the concealed pistol
21or revolver remains in the vehicle and the vehicle remains on
22the portion of the grounds of the school that comprises its
23driveways and parking areas. The vehicle shall be locked when
24unattended. The bill also authorizes a retired peace officer
25to go armed with, carry, or transport a firearm on the grounds
26of a school if the retired peace officer retired in good
27standing, maintains certification, and, during the most recent
2812-month period, has met the standards for qualifications in
29firearm safety training determined by the state agency or
30political subdivision that the individual formerly served.
31This division of the bill takes effect upon enactment.
32DIVISION III — DANGEROUS WEAPONS IN VEHICLES AT REGENTS
33UNIVERSITIES AND COMMUNITY COLLEGE CAMPUSES. The bill provides
34that the governing board of a university under the control of
35the state board of regents as provided in Code chapter 262
-8-1or a community college under the jurisdiction of a board of
2directors for a merged area as provided in Code chapter 260C
3shall not adopt or enforce any policy or rule that prohibits
4the carrying, transportation, or possession of any dangerous
5weapon, as defined in Code section 702.7, in a locked, personal
6vehicle on the grounds of such a college or university if the
7dangerous weapon is not visible from outside of the vehicle and
8such carrying, transportation, or possession is not otherwise
9prohibited under Code chapter 724.
10A dangerous weapon is any instrument or device designed
11primarily for use in inflicting death or injury upon a human
12being or animal, and that is capable of inflicting death upon a
13human being when used in the manner for which it was designed,
14except a bow and arrow when possessed and used for hunting or
15any other lawful purpose. Additionally, any instrument or
16device of any sort whatsoever that is actually used in such a
17manner as to indicate that the defendant intends to inflict
18death or serious injury upon the other, and that, when so
19used, is capable of inflicting death upon a human being, is a
20dangerous weapon. Dangerous weapons, as amended in the bill,
21include but are not limited to any pistol, revolver, or other
22firearm, dagger, razor, stiletto, switchblade knife, knife
23having a blade exceeding five inches in length, or any portable
24device or weapon directing an electric current, impulse,
25wave, or beam that produces a high-voltage pulse designed to
26immobilize a person.
27DIVISION IV — INSURANCE COVERAGE — FIREARMS ON SCHOOL
28GROUNDS. The bill requires the commissioner of insurance to
29adopt rules no later than December 31, 2023, to prohibit an
30authorized insurer from denying property or casualty insurance
31to a school based solely on the presence of a person who
32lawfully goes armed with, carries, or transports a firearm on
33the grounds of a school.
34DIVISION V — GUNS IN VEHICLES ON PUBLIC HIGHWAYS. Unless
35otherwise permitted by law, current law generally prohibits
-9-1a person from having or carrying a gun in or on a vehicle
2on a public highway unless the gun is taken down or totally
3contained in a fastened case and with its barrels and attached
4magazines unloaded. A person conveying an assembled, unloaded
5gun is subject to a scheduled fine of $35. A person conveying
6a loaded gun is subject to a scheduled fine of $70. The bill
7repeals the prohibition and strikes the associated scheduled
8fines.
9This division of the bill takes effect upon enactment.
10DIVISION VI — CARRYING FIREARMS ON SNOWMOBILES AND
11ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLES. Current law prohibits a person from
12operating or riding a snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle with a
13loaded firearm in the person’s possession unless the person is
14operating or riding the snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle on
15land that is owned, possessed, or rented by the person, and the
16person’s conduct is otherwise lawful. Additionally, a person
17may operate or ride a snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle with a
18loaded pistol or revolver on land that is not owned, possessed,
19or rented by the person if the person’s conduct is otherwise
20lawful. The bill strikes these prohibitions and exceptions.
21This division of the bill takes effect upon enactment.
22DIVISION VII — FIREARMS ON PROPERTIES LICENSED TO CONDUCT
23GAMBLING GAMES OR SPORTS WAGERING. Current administrative
24rules prevent a patron or employee of a facility licensed to
25conduct gambling games or sports wagering from possessing any
26pistol or firearm within the licensed facility without the
27express written approval of the administrator of the racing
28and gaming commission (commission). The bill provides that
29the administrative rules adopted by the commission shall not
30prohibit a licensee from authorizing a person to possess a
31firearm on the licensee’s property. The bill does not prohibit
32a licensee from adopting a policy limiting the possession of
33firearms on the licensee’s property.
-10-js/rh
2of weapons by certain persons and in certain locations, and
3including effective date provisions.
4BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:
1DIVISION I
2EMPLOYER POLICIES REGARDING FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION —
3DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS and other detention facilities —
4PARKING LOTS
5 Section 1. Section 719.7, subsection 3, paragraph a, Code
62023, is amended to read as follows:
7a. Knowingly introduces contraband into, or onto, the
8grounds of a secure facility for the detention or custody
9of juveniles, detention facility, jail, community-based
10correctional facility, correctional institution, or institution
11under the management of the department of corrections. This
12paragraph does not prohibit the otherwise lawful carrying,
13transportation, or possession of a firearm or ammunition if
14the firearm or ammunition remains out of sight and inside a
15locked vehicle on the real property comprising the publicly
16accessible, nonsecure parking lot of the facility, jail, or
17institution.
18 Sec. 2. NEW SECTION. 724.4F Limitation on employers —
19firearms and ammunition.
201. For purposes of this section:
21a. “Employee” means the same as defined in section 91A.2.
22“Employee” also includes a contract employee or volunteer.
23b. “Place of employment” includes any property, including
24a secure parking lot, that is used for parking motor vehicles
25and is available to an employer’s customers, employees, or
26invitees for temporary or long-term parking or storage of motor
27vehicles.
282. An employer shall not prohibit an employee from carrying,
29transporting, or possessing a firearm or ammunition if the
30firearm and ammunition are out of sight and inside a locked,
31privately owned motor vehicle on the real property comprising
32the employee’s place of employment and if the carrying,
33transportation, or possession of the firearm or ammunition is
34otherwise lawful under the laws of this state.
353. An employer, owner, or lawful possessor of the property
-1-1on which the employer is located shall be immune from any
2claim, cause of action, or lawsuit brought by any person
3seeking damages that are alleged, directly or indirectly, as a
4result of any firearm or ammunition brought onto the property
5of the employer, owner, or lawful possessor by an employee
6pursuant to this section.
74. An employer may prohibit an employee from carrying,
8transporting, or possessing a firearm or ammunition in a
9vehicle owned or leased by the employer or otherwise under the
10employer’s control or possession.
115. The prohibitions in this section shall apply to all
12private employers and to all state and local governmental
13entities of this state as defined in section 8A.101.
146. This section shall not apply to the extent that it
15violates federal or other state law or the terms of a contract
16with a federal entity.
17 Sec. 3. EFFECTIVE DATE. This division of this Act, being
18deemed of immediate importance, takes effect upon enactment.
19DIVISION II
20FIREARMS ON SCHOOL PROPERTY
21 Sec. 4. NEW SECTION. 285.17 Weapons in school vehicles
22transporting pupils.
23When transportation is provided pursuant to this chapter,
24a driver shall not permit firearms or other weapons, nor
25ammunition, to be carried in the passenger compartment of any
26school vehicle transporting pupils except when the school
27district or nonpublic school authorizes or directs a person
28to carry, transport, or possess a firearm, other weapon, or
29ammunition in the school vehicle.
30 Sec. 5. Section 724.4B, subsection 2, Code 2023, is amended
31by adding the following new paragraphs:
32 NEW PARAGRAPH. i. A person, whether a driver or passenger
33and including a person authorized or directed pursuant to
34section 285.17, while the person is dropping off or picking
35up from a school a student, staff member, or other person
-2-1having business at the school, or while the person is making
2a delivery or pickup at a school, who has in the person’s
3possession a valid permit to carry weapons issued pursuant
4to section 724.7, while going armed with, carrying, or
5transporting a concealed pistol or revolver if the concealed
6pistol or revolver remains in the vehicle and the vehicle
7remains on the portion of the grounds of the school that
8comprises its driveways and parking areas. The vehicle shall
9be locked when unattended.
10 NEW PARAGRAPH. j. A person retired under chapter 97A
11or 411, or section 97B.49B or 97B.49C, after service as a
12peace officer who retired in good standing, who maintains
13certification, and who, during the most recent twelve-month
14period, has met the standards for qualifications in firearm
15safety training determined by the state agency or political
16subdivision that the person formerly served.
17 Sec. 6. EFFECTIVE DATE. This division of this Act, being
18deemed of immediate importance, takes effect upon enactment.
19DIVISION III
20dangerous WEAPONS IN VEHICLES AT REGENTS UNIVERSITIES AND
21COMMUNITY COLLEGE CAMPUSES
22 Sec. 7. NEW SECTION. 260C.14B Limitation on authority —
23dangerous weapons.
24The board of directors of a community college shall comply
25with the requirements of section 724.8C regarding policies and
26rules relating to the carrying, transportation, or possession
27of dangerous weapons, as defined in section 702.7, in a
28personal vehicle on the grounds of the community college.
29 Sec. 8. NEW SECTION. 262.9E Limitation on authority —
30dangerous weapons.
31The state board of regents shall comply with the
32requirements of section 724.8C regarding policies and rules
33relating to the carrying, transportation, or possession of
34dangerous weapons, as defined in section 702.7, in a personal
35vehicle on the grounds of a university under the control of the
-3-1state board of regents.
2 Sec. 9. NEW SECTION. 724.8C Limitation on authority —
3dangerous weapons — public universities and community colleges.
4The governing board of a university under the control
5of the state board of regents as provided in chapter 262
6or a community college under the jurisdiction of a board
7of directors for a merged area as provided in chapter 260C
8shall not adopt or enforce any policy or rule that prohibits
9the carrying, transportation, or possession of any dangerous
10weapon, as defined in section 702.7, in a locked, personal
11vehicle on the grounds of such a college or university if the
12dangerous weapon is not visible from outside of the vehicle
13and such carrying, transportation, or possession is not
14otherwise prohibited under this chapter. A governing board
15of a university or community college shall be immune from
16any claim, cause of action, or lawsuit by a person seeking
17damages that are alleged, directly or indirectly, as a result
18of any concealed dangerous weapon brought onto the grounds of
19a university or college campus by a person pursuant to this
20section.
21DIVISION IV
22INSURANCE COVERAGE — firearms on school grounds
23 Sec. 10. NEW SECTION. 515.80 Nondenial of property and
24casualty insurance — schools.
251. For purposes of this section, unless the context
26otherwise requires:
27a. “Authorized insurer” means an insurer authorized by
28the commissioner of insurance to write property and casualty
29insurance under a certificate of authority issued by the
30commissioner to transact insurance in this state.
31b. “School” means a public or nonpublic school as defined
32in section 280.2.
332. No later than December 31, 2023, the commissioner of
34insurance shall adopt rules that prohibit an authorized insurer
35from denying property and casualty insurance to a school
-4-1based solely on the presence of a person authorized under
2section 724.4B, subsection 2, going armed with, carrying, or
3transporting a firearm on the grounds of a school.
43. The rules adopted by the commissioner of insurance under
5subsection 2 shall apply to all authorized insurers that, on or
6after January 1, 2024, deliver, issue for delivery, continue,
7or renew a property and casualty contract in this state for a
8school.
9DIVISION V
10guns IN VEHICLES ON PUBLIC HIGHWAYS
11 Sec. 11. Section 805.8B, subsection 3, paragraph q, Code
122023, is amended by striking the paragraph.
13 Sec. 12. REPEAL. Section 483A.36, Code 2023, is repealed.
14 Sec. 13. EFFECTIVE DATE. This division of this Act, being
15deemed of immediate importance, takes effect upon enactment.
16DIVISION VI
17CARRYING FIREARMS ON SNOWMOBILES AND ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLES
18 Sec. 14. Section 321G.13, subsection 2, Code 2023, is
19amended to read as follows:
202. a. A person shall not operate or ride a snowmobile with
21a firearm in the person’s possession unless it is unloaded and
22enclosed in a carrying case, except as otherwise provided.
23However, a nonambulatory person may carry an uncased and
24unloaded firearm while operating or riding a snowmobile.
25b. (1) A person may operate or ride a snowmobile with a
26loaded firearm, whether concealed or not, without a permit to
27carry weapons, if the person operates or rides on land owned,
28possessed, or rented by the person and the person’s conduct is
29otherwise lawful.
30(2) A person may operate or ride a snowmobile with a loaded
31pistol or revolver, whether concealed or not, if the person is
32operating or riding the snowmobile on land that is not owned,
33possessed, or rented by the person, and the person’s conduct is
34otherwise lawful.
35c. A person shall not discharge a firearm while on a
-5-1snowmobile, except that a nonambulatory person may discharge a
2firearm from a snowmobile while lawfully hunting if the person
3is not operating or riding a moving snowmobile.
4 Sec. 15. Section 321I.14, subsection 2, Code 2023, is
5amended to read as follows:
62. a. A person shall not operate or ride an all-terrain
7vehicle with a firearm in the person’s possession unless it is
8unloaded and enclosed in a carrying case, except as otherwise
9provided. However, a nonambulatory person may carry an uncased
10and unloaded firearm while operating or riding an all-terrain
11vehicle.
12b. (1) A person may operate or ride an all-terrain vehicle
13with a loaded firearm, whether concealed or not, without a
14permit to carry weapons, if the person operates or rides on
15land owned, possessed, or rented by the person and the person’s
16conduct is otherwise lawful.
17(2) A person may operate or ride an all-terrain vehicle with
18a loaded pistol or revolver, whether concealed or not, if the
19person is operating or riding the all-terrain vehicle on land
20that is not owned, possessed, or rented by the person, and the
21person’s conduct is otherwise lawful.
22c. A person shall not discharge a firearm while on an
23all-terrain vehicle, except that a nonambulatory person may
24discharge a firearm from an all-terrain vehicle while lawfully
25hunting if the person is not operating or riding a moving
26all-terrain vehicle.
27 Sec. 16. EFFECTIVE DATE. This division of this Act, being
28deemed of immediate importance, takes effect upon enactment.
29DIVISION VII
30FIREARMS ON PROPERTIES LICENSED TO CONDUCT GAMBLING GAMES OR
31SPORTS WAGERING
32 Sec. 17. NEW SECTION. 99D.7A Limitations on rules.
33Rules adopted pursuant to section 99D.7 shall not prohibit
34a licensee from authorizing a person to possess a firearm on
35the licensee’s property. This subsection does not prohibit
-6-1a licensee from adopting a policy limiting the possession of
2firearms on the licensee’s property.
3EXPLANATION
4The inclusion of this explanation does not constitute agreement with
5the explanation’s substance by the members of the general assembly.
6This bill relates to the carrying, transportation, and
7possession of weapons by certain persons and in certain
8locations. The bill is organized by divisions.
9DIVISION I — EMPLOYER POLICIES REGARDING FIREARMS AND
10AMMUNITION — DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS AND OTHER DETENTION
11FACILITIES — PARKING LOTS. The bill provides that the current
12prohibition against introducing contraband into, or onto,
13the grounds of certain facilities and institutions under the
14jurisdiction of the department of corrections does not apply to
15the otherwise lawful carrying, transportation, or possession of
16a firearm or ammunition if the firearm or ammunition remains
17out of sight and inside a locked vehicle on the real property
18comprising the publicly accessible, nonsecure parking lot of
19the secure facility, jail, or institution.
20The bill prohibits an employer from prohibiting an employee
21from carrying, possessing, or transporting a firearm or
22ammunition on the real property comprising the employee’s place
23of employment if the firearm or ammunition is out of sight
24and inside a locked, privately owned motor vehicle and if the
25carrying, transportation, or possession of the firearm or
26ammunition is otherwise lawful under the laws of this state.
27The bill defines “employee”, which includes a contract employee
28or volunteer. The bill provides that an employer, owner,
29or lawful possessor of the property on which the employer
30is located is immune from any claim, cause of action, or
31lawsuit seeking damages alleged as a result of any firearm
32brought onto the property of the employer, owner, or lawful
33possessor on which the employer is located by an employee. The
34bill provides situations for which an employer may prohibit
35the carrying, transportation, or possession of firearms and
-7-1ammunition.
2This division of the bill takes effect upon enactment.
3DIVISION II — FIREARMS ON SCHOOL PROPERTY. Under
4current administrative rules, the driver of a school vehicle
5transporting pupils shall not permit firearms or other weapons,
6nor ammunition, to be carried in the passenger compartment.
7The bill allows a school district or nonpublic school to
8authorize or direct a person to carry, transport, or possess a
9firearm, other weapon, or ammunition in a school vehicle.
10Current law generally prohibits a person from going
11armed with, carrying, or transporting a firearm of any kind,
12whether concealed or not, on the grounds of a school. The
13bill authorizes a person, whether a driver or passenger and
14including a person authorized or directed pursuant to the bill,
15while the person is dropping off or picking up from a school a
16student, staff member, or other person having business at the
17school, or while the person is making a delivery or pickup at a
18school, who has in the person’s possession a valid permit to
19carry weapons to go armed with, carry, or transport a concealed
20pistol or revolver on school grounds if the concealed pistol
21or revolver remains in the vehicle and the vehicle remains on
22the portion of the grounds of the school that comprises its
23driveways and parking areas. The vehicle shall be locked when
24unattended. The bill also authorizes a retired peace officer
25to go armed with, carry, or transport a firearm on the grounds
26of a school if the retired peace officer retired in good
27standing, maintains certification, and, during the most recent
2812-month period, has met the standards for qualifications in
29firearm safety training determined by the state agency or
30political subdivision that the individual formerly served.
31This division of the bill takes effect upon enactment.
32DIVISION III — DANGEROUS WEAPONS IN VEHICLES AT REGENTS
33UNIVERSITIES AND COMMUNITY COLLEGE CAMPUSES. The bill provides
34that the governing board of a university under the control of
35the state board of regents as provided in Code chapter 262
-8-1or a community college under the jurisdiction of a board of
2directors for a merged area as provided in Code chapter 260C
3shall not adopt or enforce any policy or rule that prohibits
4the carrying, transportation, or possession of any dangerous
5weapon, as defined in Code section 702.7, in a locked, personal
6vehicle on the grounds of such a college or university if the
7dangerous weapon is not visible from outside of the vehicle and
8such carrying, transportation, or possession is not otherwise
9prohibited under Code chapter 724.
10A dangerous weapon is any instrument or device designed
11primarily for use in inflicting death or injury upon a human
12being or animal, and that is capable of inflicting death upon a
13human being when used in the manner for which it was designed,
14except a bow and arrow when possessed and used for hunting or
15any other lawful purpose. Additionally, any instrument or
16device of any sort whatsoever that is actually used in such a
17manner as to indicate that the defendant intends to inflict
18death or serious injury upon the other, and that, when so
19used, is capable of inflicting death upon a human being, is a
20dangerous weapon. Dangerous weapons, as amended in the bill,
21include but are not limited to any pistol, revolver, or other
22firearm, dagger, razor, stiletto, switchblade knife, knife
23having a blade exceeding five inches in length, or any portable
24device or weapon directing an electric current, impulse,
25wave, or beam that produces a high-voltage pulse designed to
26immobilize a person.
27DIVISION IV — INSURANCE COVERAGE — FIREARMS ON SCHOOL
28GROUNDS. The bill requires the commissioner of insurance to
29adopt rules no later than December 31, 2023, to prohibit an
30authorized insurer from denying property or casualty insurance
31to a school based solely on the presence of a person who
32lawfully goes armed with, carries, or transports a firearm on
33the grounds of a school.
34DIVISION V — GUNS IN VEHICLES ON PUBLIC HIGHWAYS. Unless
35otherwise permitted by law, current law generally prohibits
-9-1a person from having or carrying a gun in or on a vehicle
2on a public highway unless the gun is taken down or totally
3contained in a fastened case and with its barrels and attached
4magazines unloaded. A person conveying an assembled, unloaded
5gun is subject to a scheduled fine of $35. A person conveying
6a loaded gun is subject to a scheduled fine of $70. The bill
7repeals the prohibition and strikes the associated scheduled
8fines.
9This division of the bill takes effect upon enactment.
10DIVISION VI — CARRYING FIREARMS ON SNOWMOBILES AND
11ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLES. Current law prohibits a person from
12operating or riding a snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle with a
13loaded firearm in the person’s possession unless the person is
14operating or riding the snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle on
15land that is owned, possessed, or rented by the person, and the
16person’s conduct is otherwise lawful. Additionally, a person
17may operate or ride a snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle with a
18loaded pistol or revolver on land that is not owned, possessed,
19or rented by the person if the person’s conduct is otherwise
20lawful. The bill strikes these prohibitions and exceptions.
21This division of the bill takes effect upon enactment.
22DIVISION VII — FIREARMS ON PROPERTIES LICENSED TO CONDUCT
23GAMBLING GAMES OR SPORTS WAGERING. Current administrative
24rules prevent a patron or employee of a facility licensed to
25conduct gambling games or sports wagering from possessing any
26pistol or firearm within the licensed facility without the
27express written approval of the administrator of the racing
28and gaming commission (commission). The bill provides that
29the administrative rules adopted by the commission shall not
30prohibit a licensee from authorizing a person to possess a
31firearm on the licensee’s property. The bill does not prohibit
32a licensee from adopting a policy limiting the possession of
33firearms on the licensee’s property.
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