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Read. Follow. Verify.Iowa Senate File 2153 Authorizes Lawmakers to Obtain Professional Weapon Carry Permits
Last action · February 12, 2026: Subcommittee recommends passage.Sponsor: Scott Webster
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What This Bill Would Do
Iowa lawmakers may be issued a that remains valid statewide at all times, including on school grounds, for the duration of their term in office. Applicants must submit their request to their resident county sheriff and pay for any required proficiency exam.
Extends statewide, round-the-clock weapon carry privileges—including on school grounds—to members of the , while requiring them to cover the costs of any proficiency exam mandated by the local sheriff.
- Iowa Code section 724.6 governs the issuance of professional permits to carry weapons for specific occupational classes such as private security, peace officers, and correctional officers. context
- Senate File 2153 was introduced in the Iowa Senate during the 91st General Assembly by Senator Webster. context
Who It Would Affect
Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
Members of the general assembly
Lawmakers become eligible to obtain a professional permit to carry weapons statewide and at all times, including on school grounds.
County sheriffs
Sheriffs receive permit applications from resident lawmakers, may require proficiency examinations, and handle permit cancellations upon termination of employment.
Key Facts
- Members of the general assembly are newly authorized to obtain a professional permit to carry weapons under Iowa Code section 724.6.
- Applications for a permit must be submitted to the sheriff of the county where the lawmaker resides.
- The issuing sheriff may require the applicant to complete a proficiency examination at the applicant's expense prior to issuance.
- Proficiency examination standards for lawmakers, county attorneys, and assistant county attorneys shall not exceed the standards required of a peace officer.
Show all 6 facts
- Permits issued to members of the general assembly authorize them to go armed anywhere in the state at all times, including on school grounds.
- Permits remain valid through the holder's period of employment unless canceled, and must be surrendered to the issuing officer upon termination of employment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who must a lawmaker apply to for a weapon permit under this bill?
Can a lawmaker carry a weapon on school grounds with this permit?
How long is the permit valid?
What else do you want to know?
News Coverage
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Votes, people, money & the original sourceWhere This Stands
Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.
Procedural history
4 actions- Feb 12, 2026Iowa LegislatureSubcommittee recommends passage.
- Feb 11, 2026Iowa LegislatureSubcommittee Meeting: 02/12/2026 12:00PM Room 315.
- Feb 4, 2026SenateSubcommittee: Webster, Bisignano, and Bousselot. S.J. 199 .
- Jan 29, 2026SenateIntroducedIntroduced, referred to Judiciary. S.J. 168 .
Version history
Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.
View official text →Lobbying Activity
No state lobbying filings in our records match this bill. Federal lobbying reports (LDA) cover Congress, so they are not listed on state bills.
Full breakdown
Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
Sponsors
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Sources
www.legis.iowa.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance60How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy75Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment10Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz45Current news / social attention level
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