Students debate on new Iowa gun law

No permit required: An Iowa gun bill that would eliminate the need for a permit was passed by the senate and is currently on Governor Reynolds' desk.

By Victoria Neece

After the recent mass shooting across the country in the past few weeks, passing a new bill that eliminates the need for a gun permit has caused much controversy. A bill to end the requirement to have a permit in order to own a gun in Iowa is currently sitting on Gov. Kim Reynolds’ desk for approval.

On Monday, March 22, 2021 the bill was passed by Iowa's senate. Many Iowans are arguing about the ethics of the new bill, including Bettendorf High School students.

“I think that this bill would be a good idea for Iowa. Not only in cases of self defense but it helps teach people about how to use guns,” junior Ethan Thompson said.

Some Iowans say that easing the gun laws would make it easier for self defense. Iowans who may be in abusive situations in their household, or trying to escape one, may reach out to try to own a gun for their own safety. After a background check, acquiring the permit, and waiting for the permit to be approved, the process may take longer than expected. Another argument is that this law would make it easier to express one’s second amendment right, the right to bear arms. Roadblocks, such as a permit, are present when getting a gun license which is seen to prohibit one's constitutional right.

“I think more good people will have guns now, since you still have to get a background check before buying a gun,” junior Jack Forari said.

However, on the other side of the argument, many Iowans are adamant for this bill to get vetoed.

“The new gun laws that are going to be possibly put in place scares me. I don't feel safe in a world where anyone can just get a gun,” an anonymous source said.

Some Iowans are stressing that there could be a higher chance for a mass shooting in the state, due to the bill. Three mass shootings have taken place across the country in the past two weeks. The Atlanta spa shooting took place on March 16, 2021, killing eight people. The Boulder supermarket shooting took place on March 22, 2021, killing ten people. Another, which just took place on Wednesday in Orange, California, killed four people, including a 9 year old boy. People are worried an event like that would take place in Iowa if the state's laws are put at ease. Another argument being made to support vetoing this bill is that if the bill ends up being passed, private sellers would eliminate background checks overall when selling guns. If the requirement to obtain a permit to own a gun becomes optional, it would be easy for someone to purchase a gun from a private seller. This private seller would not pass the background checks needed. This loophole could propose the risk of a gun being sold to someone who legally can not own their own weapon.

“I think the requirement of training besides the background check, which is still required, is important because it shows what someone may plan to do with a gun,” an anonymous source says.

Victoria is a sophomore.

This is her first year as a staff writer for The Growl.