Iowa’s lawmakers recently repealed key gun safety measures, and must do much more to close loopholes and keep guns from being used irresponsibly.
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 a 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 2021, Iowa had the eleventh lowest gun death rate among the states. Although Iowa supplies crime guns to other states at a lower rate than the national average, the state still exports more crime guns than it imports.
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 LAW SCORECARD
The data is clear: states with stronger gun laws have less gun violence. See how your state compares in our annual ranking.
Read MoreEXPLORE IOWA’S GUN LAWS
WHO CAN HAVE A GUN
OWNER RESPONSIBILITIES
CHILD & CONSUMER SAFETY
GUNS IN PUBLIC
HARDWARE & AMMUNITION
OTHER LAWS & POLICIES
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We’re in this together. To build a safer America—one where children and parents in every neighborhood can learn, play, work, and worship without fear of gun violence—we need you standing beside us in this fight.
