REPRESSION CONTINUES TO COLLAPSE

The Quad City Times (Davenport, Iowa)

Firearm instructors eagerly anticipate right-to-carry
legislation giving Iowa sheriffs less discretion in denying
concealed weapons licenses, while at least one local sheriff
is concerned by some of the changes.

The legislation, taking effect Saturday,
loosens the license application process
and moves Iowa from a “may-issue” state to a “shall-issue” state.

“I’m glad it got changed,” Darin Oberhart, owner
of QCI Firearms Training in Bettendorf, said.
“We’re going to have more good guys out there appropriately armed.”

He said Iowa has been one of the hold-out states
for shall-issue concealed carry licenses, adding
that Illinois does not issue such licenses.

Iowa Gov. Chet Culver signed Senate File 2379
into law in April. The law creates uniform standards
in all 99 counties for issuing licenses to carry a
concealed weapon in public. The old law allowed
sheriffs discretion whether to issue or deny licenses.

State National Rifle Association leaders called the
legislation the first time in nearly a century that a
major step had been taken to enhance right-to-carry freedoms.

“Concealed carry licenses should not be granted on a subjective basis
using an indiscernible set of criteria,” said Chris W. Cox, executive director
of National Rifle Association-Institute for Legislative Action.

Scott County Sheriff Dennis Conard said the law
makes the issuing of licenses “much less stringent.”
Those requesting licenses still must undergo course
instruction by a NRA-certified instructor, Conard said.
There is no longer a shooting range requirement
for a license, which is a concern of Clinton County
Sheriff Rick Lincoln.
“I’m concerned new applicants don’t have to
prove proficiency at the firing range before being
issued a license,” Lincoln said. “They only have to
pass a classroom portion.”
Lincoln also is concerned that the law relaxes
alcohol consumption as it relates to carrying a weapon.
“An individual carrying a weapon can go consume
alcohol to the point of intoxication,” he said

[All emfasis has been exultantly added by David.]
Its a good way to begin the New Year.





David