‘Public Safety’ Archives
Author: deanfiihr Published: April 29th, 2010
Governor Chet Culver today signed into law Senate File 2379, legislation that standardizes the weapon permit process across Iowa.
Iowa has historically been a “may issue” state, meaning that decisions on whether to issue an individual a permit to carry a weapon were made at the local level at the sheriff’s discretion, with inconsistencies among counties. Senate File 2379 makes Iowa a “shall issue” state in which individuals will be granted weapon permits unless they meet certain criteria for denial.
The law does not grant automatic approval of application for permits for people who are likely to be a danger to themselves or their communities, but it provides that Iowans start with an assumption that an application will be approved, with reasonable safeguards for public safety.
Sheriffs will be required to deny permits based upon applicants’ previous illegal acts, age restrictions (applicants must be over 21), and to applicants who are likely to commit a violent act with the firearm. People denied a permit under these limitations may appeal their case to an administrative law judge. Applicants for a carry permit must be knowledgeable and trained in firearm safety, and continue to show proficiency in control of the firearm.
Category Public Safety |
Author: deanfiihr Published: April 5th, 2010
Iowa Governor Chet Culver Thursday signed a ban on text messaging while driving that was co-authored by State Representative Curt Hanson of Fairfield.
“After teaching students about responsibility and respect on our roadways for over 40 years, I’m proud that our plan to save lives and prevent accidents was signed by the Governor today,” said Hanson, who won approval of the bill in the Iowa House. “The bi-partisan effort in the Legislature to craft this sensible compromise will protect young drivers and improve safety for everyone on Iowa’s roadways.”
House File 2456 prohibits the use of all electronic and mobile devices while driving for those under the age of 18. Persons over 18 may not use a hand-held electronic device to read, write, or send a text message while driving. Violators will be charged with a simple misdemeanor and a $30 fine. If texting is the cause of an accident that results in serious injury or death, penalties increase up to a $1000 fine and 180 day license suspension.
Law enforcement cannot stop or detain a person only for suspected violations of texting and local governments are not allowed to adopt their own ordinances. When the new law takes effect on July 1, law enforcement will begin an education campaign and will only write warning citations for the first year before the enhanced penalties and fines begin to apply.
Tags: Culver, Curt Hanson, driving, texting
Category 2010 Session Information, Public Safety, Statehouse News |
Author: deanfiihr Published: March 11th, 2010
In an effort to protect victims of domestic violence, the Iowa House today approved a bill to prevent persons who are the subject of a protective order or convicted of domestic abuse from owning a gun.
“It’s essential that we do all we can to support and protect victims of domestic violence. Keeping guns out of the hands of violent abusers is one reasonable step we can take to improve public safety and slow the cycle of domestic violence,” said State Representative Deb Berry of Waterloo, who won approval of the bill.
Senate File 2357, which was requested by Iowa judges and law enforcement officials, puts federal law into the Iowa code wince most domestic violence cases are settled in the Iowa court system. Currently, Iowa courts cannot enforce the fedral law prohibiting persons who are subject of a protective order or convicted of domestic abuse from owning guns.
The bill now heads to the Governor.
Category Public Safety |
Author: deanfiihr Published: February 26th, 2010
Des Moines, Iowa - On a bi-partisan 64-31 vote, the Iowa House today approved a
ban on text messaging while driving.
"After teaching students about responsibility on our roadways for 30 years, I
understand the dangers of distracted driving and I'm gald we were able to work
together to ban texting while driving. The commone sense bill we approved
today will prevent accidents and save lives," said State Representative Curt
Hanson of Fairfield, who co-managed and won approval of the bill in the House.
House File 2456 prohibits text messaging, instant messaging and e-mailing while
driving a motor vehicle. Violators will be charged with a simple misdemeanor and
a $30 fine. If texting is the cause of an accident that results in serious injury or
death, penalties increase up to a $1,000 fine and 180 day license suspension.
The bill now goes to Senate.
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Category Public Safety |
Author: deanfiihr Published: February 9th, 2010
The House Transportation Committee today approved a ban on texting while driving.”After teaching students to drive for 30 years, I understand the dangers of distracted driving and know the importance of responsibility on our roadways. The common sense, bi-partisan bill we approved today will prevent accidents and save lives,” said State Representative Curt Hanson of Fairfield, who helped craft the bill.
House File 2021, which was approved on a 20-1 vote, prohibits text messaging while driving a motor vehicle. Violators will be charged with a simple misdemeanor and a $30 fine. If texting is the cause of an accident that results in serious injury or death, penalties increase up to a $1,000 fine and 180 day license suspension.
The bill now goes to the full House for consideration.
Tags: Curt Hanson, texting, texting while driving
Category Public Safety |
