The Gazette: Iowa Republican lawmakers advance bills loosening gun restrictions

Connie Ryan, executive director of Interfaith Alliance of Iowa & Action Fund, opposed HSB 280, citing alcohol as a strong risk factor for gun violence.

“This bill would take Iowa backwards,” Ryan told lawmakers. “ … We often hear about mental illness, which is a really small contributor to interpersonal violence. Alcohol is a much bigger contributor.”

The bill would also remove provisions contained in state law that prohibit an individual from being able to receive a permit to carry weapons if probable cause exists to believe — based upon documented specific actions of the person, when at least one of the actions occurred within two years of applying for a permit to carry a firearm — that they’re a danger to themselves or others.

“Past behavior is a predictor of future behavior. Why would we remove language that helps to protect the public and the person themselves?” Ryan asked. “ … When someone has violently assaulted another person, it shows a propensity to commit violence. Allowing the person to then have a gun lacks any common sense or commitment to the public safety. Again, why would we move language that helps to protect the public?”

Read the full article here.

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