Latest news with #IowaDepartmentofPublicSafety
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
18 to be the new minimum handgun age in Iowa
May 14—Beginning July 1, Iowa joins 23 states allowing the purchase and carrying of handguns by individuals 18 and older, rather than the federal age of 21. On April 18, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signed HF 924 into law, changing the state's minimum age. While both federal and Iowa law already allowed for the purchase of long guns like shotguns and rifles for 18 year olds, many states don't allow this for pistols and revolvers. Ten states and the District of Columbia have minimum age gun laws stricter than the federal standard. Proponents of lowering the handgun purchase age say it prevents discrimination. "This aligns with recent federal court rulings affirming that young adults, aged 18 to 20 may not, as a class, be denied full access to their Second Amendment rights," reads a statement by the Iowa Firearms Coalition. "By proactively addressing this issue, Iowa lawmakers have helped ensure our state remains a leader in protecting these fundamental rights." A lobbyist with the Iowa Firearms Coalition, Richard Rogers, said this change is long overdue. "Iowa's young adults are being discriminated against unfairly as to their Second Amendment rights," he said. "They are legally and morally responsible for the care and safety of that family, and yet, we deny them the access to the most practical, portable tool for self-defense." The law also allows those 18 years or older who are a parent, guardian or spouse of someone who is younger than 18 to directly supervise the younger individual in possessing a pistol, revolver or ammunition. The adult must "maintain a physical presence near the supervised person conducive to hands-on instruction, who maintains visual and verbal contact at all times with the supervised person and who is not intoxicated." Since 2021, Iowans are allowed to both purchase and carry handguns without a permit to acquire or a permit to carry, subject to certain limitations. The Iowa Department of Public Safety still recommends obtaining a permit as there are benefits, including allowing Iowans to carry in states with permit reciprocity while traveling. Critics of the bill cite the dangers of gun violence in young adults. "Laws imposing minimum age requirements for the possession and purchase of firearms are intended to decrease access to firearms by young people and, correspondingly, to decrease the number of suicides, homicides and unintentional shootings among that population," reads a statement by Giffords Law Center. "Given that young people are at elevated risk of engaging in violent behaviors against themselves or others, these laws have the potential to protect a particularly vulnerable group." An FBI Supplementary Homicide Report shows 18-20 year olds comprise just 4% of the U.S. population but account for 17% of known gun homicide offenders. Giffords also cites a 2024 study that found state laws raising the minimum legal age to purchase firearms to 21 were associated with a 12% decline in rates of firearm suicides among 18 to 20 year olds. Other Firearms Bills May 6, Reynolds signed Senate File 106 into law, allowing the carry of a loaded firearm while operating a snowmobile or ATV. While the bill still prohibits discharging a weapon while operating the vehicle, it does allow for carrying if all other conduct is lawful. Non-ambulatory Iowans are allowed to shoot while on the vehicle as long as it is not moving. "The NRA thanks Governor Reynolds, pro-gun lawmakers and all NRA members and Second Amendment advocates for their engagement on this critical legislation," the National Rifle Association said in a statement. House File 791, an act regarding firearm safety instruction in school districts, passed the House committee on public safety last month in anticipation of a start date next year. "By July 1, 2026, develop and distribute to all school districts an age-appropriate model program for firearm safety instruction for students enrolled in kindergarten through 12th grade," the text states. The program for Iowans sixth grade and younger is to be based on the Eddie Eagle gun safety program developed by the NRA. For those in seventh through 12th grade, the program would be based on the NRA's hunter education course. The bill will require public school districts to offer or make available an approved firearm safety instruction course to all students in seventh through 12th grade. They must also make the program available for students attending private schools in their district. The cost is to be paid by the school district using money from state school foundation aid received into the school's general fund. "No additional state funding shall be necessary for the full implementation of this act," the bill states.
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Yahoo
Davenport man accused in burglaries, thefts, sentenced after guilty plea
A Davenport man facing Scott County burglary and theft charges was sentenced after he pleaded guilty in the case Dillan Silvers, 20, pleaded guilty on Jan. 17 to charges of first-degree theft, second-degree theft, third-degree theft and trafficking in stolen weapons, according to a Scott County Court sentencing order. The order says that a count of ongoing criminal conduct, five counts of third-degree burglary motor vehicle, two counts of conspiracy to commit a non-forcible felony, second-degree theft, two counts of third-degree theft and a count of fourth-degree theft were dismissed at sentencing. Silvers was sentenced to three years of supervised probation, with the condition that he enter and complete the RCF (Returning Citizen Fellows) Program. He will be held at the Scott County Jail until bed space is available at RCF, Scott County Court documents say. When a bed opens, he will be transported to the facility, according to the sentencing order. He must also obtain mental health and substance use evaluations and successfully complete any recommended treatments, avoid using controlled substances and alcohol, submit to random testing for drugs and alcohol, obtain a HiSET (high school equivalency diploma) and obtain and maintain employment, the sentencing order shows. A Scott County Court order dated April 17 states that Silvers has lost his right to a firearm because of his felony conviction. His information will be reported to the FBI National Criminal Instant Background Check System through the Iowa Department of Public Safety. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Two protesters arrested at rally against bill removing civil rights for trans Iowans
Two protesters have been released from jail after they were arrested Monday by Iowa state troopers during a Iowa Capitol demonstration against a bill removing civil rights protections for transgender people from the Iowa Civil Rights Act. Iowa State Patrol identified the individuals arrested as Vero Hernandez, 26, and Bellona River Providence Allou, 20. They were taken to the Polk County Jail at around 11:30 a.m. Monday and charged with interference with official acts, Tawny Kruse, Iowa Department of Public Safety strategic communications bureau chief, said Monday. Protesters chanting 'Trans kids are not political pawns' and "No LGB without T' engulfed the Iowa Capitol's rotunda and hallway where the bill's subcommittee and committee meetings were held Monday afternoon. Lawmakers of the House Judiciary Committee advanced the bill, House File 583, 13-8 Monday. Republican, Rep. Brian Lohse, R-Bondurant, joined all Democrats in opposition. More: Bill ending civil rights protections for transgender Iowans fast-tracked in Iowa House Earlier this month, Iowa State Patrol troopers arrested three protesters inside the Iowa Capitol during a rally denouncing President Donald Trump's policies and Project 2025. Rep. Brian Meyer, D-Des Moines, wrote in a Facebook post Monday that the arrests were a "clear violation of these protesters' First Amendment rights." The Iowa Department of Public Safety did not respond to comment at the time of publication. "They were physically removed from in front of the committee room for being too loud. The Capitol has rules on where protests are allowed," Meyer wrote. "The Legislature has the ability to restrict demonstrations by protesters through time, place and manner restrictions BEFORE the protest starts. Not after it starts. This is a clear violation of their 1st amendment rights." Sabine Martin covers politics for the Register. She can be reached by email at or by phone at (515) 284-8132. Follow her on X at @sabinefmartin. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Protesters arrested as GOP bill aims to cut trans Iowans' civil rights
Yahoo
30-01-2025
- Yahoo
Former Iowa cop accused of sending explicit photos to minor facing more charges
EAGLE GROVE, Iowa — A former Iowa police officer who's been accused of sending sexually explicit photos to a minor in 2024 is facing additional charges in the case. According to the Iowa Department of Public Safety, 27-year-old Colt Allen Richardson sent sexually explicit photos of himself to a minor while he was an officer with the Eagle Grove Police Department. A criminal complaint states the photos were sent while Richardson was on duty and off duty. Des Moines man lured 12-year-old girl into his home via Instagram, police say In late December the Eagle Grove Police Department received a complaint against Richardson regarding these allegations and requested the DCI to investigate. As a result of the investigation, Richardson was arrested and charged on January 13 with Dissemination and Exhibition of Obscene Material to a Minor. Richardson was subsequently fired from the police department. On Thursday the Wright County Attorney's Office announced additional charges filed against Richardson in the case. He is also facing one count of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor. According to court records, Richardson is scheduled to be arraigned on February 14. Iowa News: Former Iowa cop accused of sending explicit photos to minor facing more charges Rock Island Police: 'Missing' 4-year-old Blessing Aoci was safe the entire time WHO 13 Farm Report: Thursday, January 30th Caitlin Clark bringing the Fever to Carver-Hawkeye Arena in preseason game Great Iowa Treasure Hunt reunites Purple Heart with family Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
