Iowa: Firearms Suppressor Bill Passes House Subcommittee

This week, House File 2043, a bill which would legalize the ownership and possession of firearm sound suppressors in Iowa, passed the House Judiciary Subcommittee by a 2-1 vote.

Please thank Representative Terry Baxter (R-8) and Representative Matt Windschitl (R-17) for voting favorably to pass HF 2043 out of subcommittee.

As previously reported, HF 2043 was formally introduced under the leadership of state Representatives Matt Windschitl (R-Missouri Valley) and Terry Baxter (R-Garner).  The legislative language mirrors that of the omnibus firearms bill that failed to pass the Iowa Senate in 2015.  HF 2043 will be a stand-alone piece of legislation and is expected to have mass support in the General Assembly.  It is imperative that sportsmen and women from across Iowa voice their support for this legislation and put pressure on the Iowa Senate to finally pass a bill giving law-abiding gun owners the opportunity to own and use suppressors.

The arguments used to fight against this legislation are incredibly misleading.  The fact is that Iowa is way behind other states in allowing the possession and use of suppressors.  Forty-one states allow possession of suppressors, while thirty-seven of those states allow for their use while hunting.

The National Rifle Association has long been an advocate for suppressor use and applauds the work being done in Iowa to advance this piece of legislation.  The NRA has continued its pursuit of this measure because of the health and safety benefits of suppressors.

Suppressors help increase accuracy by reducing felt recoil and shot “flinch.”  Beginners to shooting sports adhere to a quicker learning curve on average because the muffled sound equates to increased focus and concentration on proper shooting mechanics.  Most importantly, suppressors reduce shooters’ risk of hearing damage, which can occur when discharging a firearm without the proper hearing protection.  In addition, suppressors can help reduce noise complaints from neighbors, particularly in more densely populated areas. 

To voice your support for HF 2043, please contact your legislators by clicking here.  With your help, suppressors will become legal in the Hawkeye State.  Also, please continue to check www.nraila.org and your email inbox for important updates on this bill as it progresses through the Iowa General Assembly.