NRA-backed House File 535, legislation prohibiting the publication of the names and addresses of individuals possessing permits to acquire and carry firearms, has been assigned to a Senate Judiciary Subcommittee where it is in danger of being stalled or defeated for this legislative session. HF 535 passed in the House by an overwhelming 95 to 3 vote on March 18 after passing unanimously in the House Judiciary Committee by a 20-0 vote the week before. Introduced originally as House File 81 by state Representative Matt Windschitl (R-17), this privacy protection legislation is an important reform to Iowa’s gun laws – and is in need of your help! It is imperative that you contact state senators Robert Hogg (D-33), Janet Petersen (D-18) and Kent Sorenson (R-13) TODAY and respectfully request that they give HF 535 a fair hearing and a favorable vote.
In other parts of the country, anti-gun media outlets abused their privileges under the Freedom of Information Act and have jeopardized the safety of law-abiding citizens by publishing the names and addresses of registered gun owners. Contrary to their claims, these media elites have not increased public safety and have instead simply provided a map for criminals to use for their next burglary and firearm theft. HF 535 would prevent this from happening in Iowa. This type of legislation is widely supported throughout the country. At this time, 36 states have enacted legislation similar to House File 535’s permit privacy provision.
HF 535 would also give local law enforcement the tools they need to combat the leading manner in which criminals acquire firearms – straw purchases – as well as crack down on other people who knowingly attempt to illegally or fraudulently purchase firearms.
Please contact state senators Hogg, Petersen and Sorenson TODAY and urge them to support the important reforms in HF 535.