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IA HF621

IA HF621
A bill for an act relating to firearms on school property, and including effective date provisions.


summary

Introduced
02/27/2025
In Committee
02/27/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

91st General Assembly

Bill Summary

This bill relates to firearms on school property. Under current administrative rules, the driver of a school vehicle transporting pupils shall not permit firearms or other weapons, nor ammunition, to be carried in the passenger compartment. The bill allows a school district or nonpublic school to authorize or direct a person to carry, transport, or possess a firearm, other weapon, or ammunition in a school vehicle. Current law generally prohibits a person from going armed with, carrying, or transporting a firearm of any kind, whether concealed or not, on the grounds of a school. The bill authorizes a person, whether a driver or passenger and including a person authorized or directed pursuant to the bill, while the person is dropping off or picking up from a school a student, staff member, or other person having business at the school, or while the person is making a delivery or pickup at a school, who has in the person’s possession a valid permit to carry weapons to go armed with, carry, or transport a concealed pistol or revolver on school grounds if the concealed pistol or revolver remains in the vehicle and the vehicle remains on the portion of the grounds of the school that comprises its driveways and parking areas. The vehicle shall be locked when unattended. The bill also authorizes a retired peace officer to go armed with, carry, or transport a firearm on the grounds of a school if the retired peace officer retired in good standing, maintains certification, and, during the most recent 12-month period, has met the standards for qualifications in firearm safety training determined by the state agency or political subdivision that the individual formerly served. The bill takes effect upon enactment.

AI Summary

This bill modifies existing Iowa law regarding firearms on school property and in school vehicles. It allows school districts or nonpublic schools to authorize individuals to carry, transport, or possess firearms or ammunition in school vehicles, which is currently prohibited. The bill permits people with a valid weapons permit to keep a concealed pistol or revolver in their vehicle while dropping off or picking up students or making deliveries at a school, but only when the vehicle remains in the school's driveways or parking areas and is locked when unattended. Additionally, the bill extends a firearms carrying exception to retired peace officers who have retired in good standing, maintained their certification, and completed firearm safety training within the past 12 months. The legislation specifically applies to individuals retired under certain state pension chapters who previously served as peace officers. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment, signaling its perceived urgency and importance to the state legislature.

Committee Categories

Education

Sponsors (3)

Last Action

Committee vote: Yeas, 17. Nays, 6. H.J. 358. (on 02/18/2026)

bill text


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