Iowa Lawmakers to Introduce Bill to make Gun Permits Secret

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Two Iowa lawmakers plan to introduce a bill that would change state law and keep confidential the identities of those who own permits to carry firearms.

The Des Moines Register reports that the proposal is aimed at preventing the release of any information that could link a person to his or her gun permit, including names, addresses and dates of birth. Current Iowa law allows public access to such permit records.

Sen. Steve Sodders, a State Center Democrat, says it’s unnecessary for people to know if others have guns in their homes. He says the public would still have access to general statistics, like the number of firearms purchased each month.

Rep. Matt Windschitl, a Republican from Missouri Valley, says lawmakers are still working out the legislation’s details