NRA wants full time soldiers included in “right to carry” law

[spin]

by Pat Curtis on October 13, 2010
in Military,Politics & Government

The National Rifle Association is pressing state lawmakers not to exclude Iowans who’re full-time soldiers from the state’s new “right to carry” law, but state officials say federal law may prevent that. The 2010 Iowa legislature passed a law which sets up a uniform system for issuing permits to Iowans who want to carry a concealed weapon.

But the N.R.A. argues Iowans who’re in the Army, Navy or other branch of the military and stationed at a base in another state are not allowed to apply for a permit. Chris Rager of the N.R.A. says they’re being penalized for their military service.

“Basically we want them to be able to be afforded the same rights that civilians are,” Rager says, “and I think that that’s proper given that they are putting their lives on the line and honorably serving their country.” But officials in the Iowa Department of Public Safety say they’re following the Federal Gun Control Act, and it could take action by Congress to change the rules.

Iowa National Guard soldiers are not impacted because, even when they’re stationed in other states or oversees, the men and women of the Iowa Guard are still considered Iowa residents.
http://www.radioiowa.com/2010/10/13/nra-wants-full-time-soldiers-included-in-right-to-carry-law/

This is interesting because active military personnel can get a concealed weapons permit in Florida.

Eligibility

Eligibility Requirements

o You must be 21 years of age or older.
o You must be able to demonstrate competency with a firearm.
o Unless you are serving overseas in the United States Armed Forces, you must currently reside in the United States (US) AND be a US citizen or deemed a lawful permanent resident alien by Department of Homeland Security, US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). If you are serving overseas in the US Armed Forces, submit a copy of your deployment documentation with your application. If you are not a US citizen, submit documentation issued by the USCIS proving you are a permanent legal resident alien with proof you have resided in the state of residence (as shown on your application) for at least 90 consecutive days prior to the date the application is submitted.
http://licgweb.doacs.state.fl.us/weapons/eligible.html

[Euromutt]

1. I bet Iowa still levies income tax on service personnel

Suddenly, the fact that you don't actually live in the state full-time doesn't matter for that.

[ManiacJoe]

2. Any one have a link to the actual text of the bill?

I cannot find anything at the Iowa gov web site.

[spin]

3. It should be SF2379... text is at:

http://coolice.legis.state.ia.us/linc/govbills/SF2379.pdf

The bill was signed by the governor on April 29, 2010.

[SteveM]

4. Is Iowa referencing the 1968 GCA?