Branstad supportive of Iowa gun-related law changes

DES MOINES - Gov. Terry Branstad said Wednesday he likely would support two firearms-related changes that are receiving bipartisan support within the split-control Legislature.

One bill (House File 2279) would allow gun owners in Iowa to legally possess or transfer noise suppressors, or silencers, while a separate measure (House File 2283) would allow Iowa landowners to carry a loaded firearm while operating a snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle (ATV) - something currently prohibited even on private property.

'They seem to be pretty reasonable pieces of legislation,” Branstad said.

'I always reserve judgment until I see it in its final form and get a chance to carefully review it,” the governor told reporters in invoking his usual proviso, 'but generally speaking, I would be favorably disposed towards these pieces of legislation. But I want to carefully review them before making a final decision.”

Backers of legalizing suppressors - which passed the House and Senate - contend the change would protect Iowans' liberties and their hearing by joining a majority of U.S. states in allowing gun suppressor accessories that currently are prohibited under a state law as an offensive weapon carrying a Class D felony penalty of five years in prison and a fine of $750 to $7,500.

'I think the suppressor legislation will not only save people from hearing loss, but also could create some jobs in Iowa,” Branstad said. 'There's a company we recruited from Minnesota that's in Sibley, Iowa, that has indicated to me they will probably expand with this legislation.”

House File 2283, which was amended by the Senate and awaits House action, specifies that landowners only would be permitted to carry loaded and uncased long guns while operating off-road vehicles. Also, Iowans with a permit to carry a handgun would be allowed to possess a pistol if it was secured in a retention holster similar to what law-enforcement officers use.

Non-landowners would be allowed to carry a rifle or shotgun while operating an ATV or snowmobile if the long gun was unloaded and placed in a case, under the Senate-passed version, and all riders would be required to get off their vehicle to shoot a firearm unless they are non-ambulatory.

'I think this is designed to basically help landowners protect their livestock and things like this,” Branstad said.