Bill
Bill > HF519
IA HF519
A bill for an act relating to the disposition of firearms and ammunition deposited with the department of public safety through seizure or forfeiture proceedings.(See HF 871.)
summary
Introduced
02/20/2025
02/20/2025
In Committee
02/20/2025
02/20/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
91st General Assembly
Bill Summary
This bill relates to the disposition of firearms and ammunition deposited with the department of public safety (department) through seizure or forfeiture proceedings. Current law provides the department with specified options on how to dispose of firearms or ammunition acquired through seizure or forfeiture, including destruction of the firearm or ammunition. The bill requires the department to sell seized or forfeited legal firearms and ammunition through public auction, unless an exception applies. The exceptions include if the firearm or ammunition may be otherwise used by the department, has such distinctive or unique characteristics so as to make it an important addition to the department’s weapons archive, or is necessary for an exchange with a federal agency or agency from another state for specified uses or due to extraordinary circumstances, which shall be individually approved and recorded by the commissioner. The bill also provides that a firearm or ammunition may be destroyed only if it fails to sell at public auction or is determined damaged or unsafe for use. Certain disposition requirements do not apply to weapons or ammunition that are illegal or offensive weapons.
AI Summary
This bill modifies how the Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS) handles firearms and ammunition obtained through seizure or forfeiture proceedings. The bill requires DPS to prioritize selling legal firearms and ammunition through public auction, with some specific exceptions. These exceptions include retaining firearms for law enforcement use, keeping weapons with unique characteristics for the department's archive, or exchanging them with federal or other state agencies in extraordinary circumstances (which must be individually approved and documented by the commissioner). The bill specifies that firearms and ammunition may only be destroyed if they fail to sell at auction or, in the case of ammunition, are determined to be damaged or unsafe. Importantly, illegal weapons or "offensive weapons" (as defined in section 724.1) can be destroyed and are not subject to the same disposal requirements. The bill also clarifies that auction sales can include bidders without firearm permits, though permit-less bidders must provide a 50% deposit and obtain a permit within two weeks to complete the purchase. Any proceeds from these auctions, minus expenses, will be deposited into the state's general fund.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Withdrawn. H.J. 871. (on 03/31/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=HF519 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/LGI/91/attachments/HF519.html |
Loading...