Bill
Bill > HF871
IA HF871
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.(Formerly HF 519.)
summary
Introduced
03/07/2025
03/07/2025
In Committee
03/25/2025
03/25/2025
Crossed Over
03/24/2025
03/24/2025
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 handles firearms and ammunition seized or forfeited through legal proceedings, establishing a clear priority for disposing of these items through public auction. The legislation requires that legal firearms and ammunition be sold at public auction, with exceptions only for items that are uniquely valuable to the department's weapons archive, needed for law enforcement use, or part of an exchange with federal or state agencies under extraordinary circumstances approved by the commissioner. Firearms and ammunition may only be destroyed if they fail to sell at auction or are determined to be damaged or unsafe. The bill specifically excludes illegal weapons and offensive weapons (as defined in section 724.1) from these disposal requirements, allowing those items to be destroyed. The legislation also maintains existing rules about auction procedures, such as requiring that sales be made to federally licensed firearms dealers or persons with purchase permits, and stipulates that proceeds from these auctions will be deposited in the state's general fund after covering the department's reasonable expenses.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (0)
No sponsors listed
Other Sponsors (1)
Public Safety (H)
Last Action
Explanation of vote. H.J. 1034. (on 04/22/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=HF871 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/LGI/91/attachments/HF871.html |
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