STATE
IOWA GUN LAWS
Iowa’s lawmakers recently repealed key gun safety measures, and must do much more to close loopholes and keep guns from being used irresponsibly.
Scorecard Grade
In 2021, the Iowa legislature took the dangerous step of adopting “permitless carry” and repealing a longstanding state law requiring handgun background checks. The legislature also authorized—and voters approved—a 2022 ballot measure that invites an onslaught of litigation over basic gun safety laws, including prohibitions for those convicted of felony or domestic violence offenses. In 2024, Iowa had the 15th lowest gun death rate among the states. In an average year, 362 people die from gun violence in the state. That means that someone dies from gun violence every 24 hours. Seventy-nine percent of those deaths are gun suicides, and 19% are gun homicides. In Iowa, the rate of gun deaths increased 53% from 2015 to 2024, compared to a 15% increase nationwide.
EXPLORE IOWA’S GUN LAWS
OWNER RESPONSIBILITIES
CHILD & CONSUMER SAFETY
OTHER LAWS & POLICIES
What Iowa Does Well
- Certain domestic violence gun laws
- Child access prevention laws
- Certain disarming procedures
What Iowa Is Missing
- Universal background checks
- Extreme risk protection orders
- Assault weapon restrictions
- Large capacity magazine ban
- Concealed carry permitting law
- Lost & stolen firearm reporting
- Local authority to regulate firearms
- Bulk firearm purchase restrictions
- Firearms licensing
SPOTLIGHT
GUN VIOLENCE STATISTICS
Explore facts, figures, and original analysis compiled by our experts. To end our gun violence crisis, we need to better understand where, how, and why violence occurs.
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JOIN THE FIGHT
Nearly 47,000 Americans lose their lives to gun violence every year. In communities, courts, and ballot boxes nationwide, GIFFORDS fights to save lives from gun violence. Will you join us?