DES MOINES — Meredith and Natalie Gibson, two of the many gun enthusiasts who frequented the Capitol to push a comprehensive rewrite of Iowa's gun laws, marked the occasion of Gov. Terry Branstad signing an expansive gun rights bill by heading to an indoor Johnston shooting range to practice with their parents.
About 50 people gathered at the governor's formal office Thursday to witness him affixing his signature to House File 517, a wide-ranging bill that included a controversial "stand your ground" provision that states a law-abiding citizen does not have a duty to retreat in a public place before using deadly force when confronted with danger to life or property.
One of the provisions of the bill that took effect immediately allows children below the age of 14 to handle pistols or revolvers under the supervision of an adult parent, guardian or instructor — which directly affected the Gibson sisters ages 13 and 11.
"I think the parents should at least teach their kids safety so nothing bad happens out there," Meredith Gibson said after receiving one of the pens the governor used to sign the bill into law.
"I am very honored to sign House File 517 into law," Branstad told the assembled group of supporters. "I know this is an important and significant piece of legislation for people that support the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution.
"I have always been a strong supporter of the Second Amendment and this legislation makes Iowa one of the most pro-Second Amendment states in the country. Expanding the freedoms and solidifying the constitutional rights of Iowans should always be a goal for our state," he added.
The bill also limits access to concealed carry information which several Iowa rags used to publish lists of licensed CCW.
Iowa turned red again in last falls election.
About 50 people gathered at the governor's formal office Thursday to witness him affixing his signature to House File 517, a wide-ranging bill that included a controversial "stand your ground" provision that states a law-abiding citizen does not have a duty to retreat in a public place before using deadly force when confronted with danger to life or property.
One of the provisions of the bill that took effect immediately allows children below the age of 14 to handle pistols or revolvers under the supervision of an adult parent, guardian or instructor — which directly affected the Gibson sisters ages 13 and 11.
"I think the parents should at least teach their kids safety so nothing bad happens out there," Meredith Gibson said after receiving one of the pens the governor used to sign the bill into law.
"I am very honored to sign House File 517 into law," Branstad told the assembled group of supporters. "I know this is an important and significant piece of legislation for people that support the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution.
"I have always been a strong supporter of the Second Amendment and this legislation makes Iowa one of the most pro-Second Amendment states in the country. Expanding the freedoms and solidifying the constitutional rights of Iowans should always be a goal for our state," he added.
The bill also limits access to concealed carry information which several Iowa rags used to publish lists of licensed CCW.
Iowa turned red again in last falls election.
