Constitutional amendment could affect future gun control
Senate votes 34-15 in support of Second Amendment rights legislation
Senate votes 34-15 in support of Second Amendment rights legislation
Senate votes 34-15 in support of Second Amendment rights legislation
The Iowa Senate passed a possible amendment to Iowa's Constitution on Wednesday night, which would add additional protection to Iowans' rights to own firearms.
Unlike a law, a constitutional amendment has a stricter standard of approval. If legislators pass the amendment in both chambers this year, it would need to happen again in either the 2019 or 2020 legislative sessions before Iowans can approve it in a statewide vote.
The measure says the state of Iowa would recognize owning firearms as a fundamental individual right and any restrictions would face strict scrutiny.
"Strict scrutiny means there has to be a very strong case to weaken our Second Amendment rights," said state Sen. Brad Zaun, a Republican from Urbandale.
Opponents of the amendment, though, said adding the term "strict scrutiny" would make it nearly impossible for lawmakers to pass future gun legislation. They also say it is ill timed in light of recent school shootings in Maryland and Florida.
"In my opinion, it would limit the ability to pass certain restrictive requirements," said state Sen. Matt McCoy, a Democrat from Des Moines. "For example, saying we are not going to sell assault weapons to kids under the age of 21. If just doesn't need to be done at this time. I think it's horrible timing."