Iowa Bill Could Compel Gun Carriers to Take Breathalyzer or Lose Permit

[tt11758]

Sounds like Iowa has some unfriendly gun laws that Iowans should work to change.

Actually they have changed for the better, beginning this year.  Until 1/1/11 Iowa was a "May-Issue" state for carry permits.  As a result, there were some county sheriffs who issued virtually no carry permits, and others who handed them out like party favors.  Last legislative session, Iowa lawmakers standardized the process by making Iowa a "Shall-Issue" state, and removed individual sheriff's ability to restrict permits in any way, much to the chagrin of some of the more control-happy sheriffs in the state.  In addition, with the advent of "Shall-Issue", Iowa now honors the permits issued by every other state.  Before 1/1/11, only Iowa permits were honored.  Two giant steps in the right direction.

This year we've been working toward doing away with the "Permit To Acquire" for handguns, among other things.

While I would agree that Iowa does have some unfriendly gun laws, we are working toward reform.  But, much like eating an elephant, it has to be done one bite at a time.

[LittleRed]

Actually they have changed for the better, beginning this year.  

That's good to hear. Keep up the good work.

[clrcopy]

I'll let tt reply in depth to you since he not only lives there but also stays up on these things.  However, Iowa is not far from Minnesota in stupid infringements, and it wouldn't surprise me to see it as any gun can get you a breathalyzer.  Permits for CC forfeited if you have one.

The breathalyzer is regards to the permit to carry.  Basically if you are pulled over and they give you a test and you are carrying, it's a double whammy.  It's strange really, if you pull your weapon for no reason (brandishing) then the least of your worries should be whether you were drinking.  If you are legally drunk (already the law) then your permit is not valid anyhow.  It's really a feel good law.  Hence about the only time it would come into play is if you were pulled over and the officer asked if you had a weapon (or for some reason you volunteered it) and you said yes, and then the whole test thing comes out.  Well you are already driving, so which is worse? drinking and driving or drinking and carrying?  I can't think of any other reason why an officer would test you other than you were already doing something illegal, so the law would pick up at that point.  I'm guessing it's another "feel good" law by the libs more than anything.  And yes, we have made ground here in Iowa, but still have lots to go.  Sadly this did make it through the funnel as well.