Iowa: Hearing Protection Act Passes Concurrence Vote!

Today, the Iowa House of Representatives voted to concur with the amended version of House File 2279, the Hearing Protection Act, with a 78-21 vote.  HF 2279 passed its final vote in the Senate with an overwhelming 46-4 bipartisan vote, but due to a favorable amendment made by the Senate Judiciary Committee, HF 2279 had to return to the House for a concurrence vote.  HF 2279 will now be sent to Governor Terry Branstad (R) for his consideration and signature.

If Governor Branstad signs HF 2279 into law, Iowa will become the 42^nd state to allow for the sale, use and possession of firearm sound 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.

Thank you to everyone who reached out to their legislators in support of the Hearing Protection Act.  Please contact the legislators who supported HF 2279 and thank them for their support.  Your NRA-ILA would especially like to thank state Representatives Matt Windschitl and Terry Baxter for their leadership and unwavering support of House File 2279 throughout the legislative process.  Additionally, your NRA-ILA would like to thank Speaker Linda Upmeyer, House Majority Leader Chris Hagenow and Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal for their work on bringing HF 2279 to the floor of their respective chambers. 

Furthermore, the ATV Carry Bill, House File 2283, passed the Iowa State Senate with a 43-4 vote.  HF 2283 was amended by the Senate Natural Resources and Environment Committee and will now return to the Iowa House of Representatives for a final concurrence vote.  Please stay tuned to your email inbox and www.nraila.org for further updates on this bill.