HF 488: Relating to identification markings on firearms and firearm parts, and providing penalties

What it does

This bill relates to identification markings on firearms and firearm parts. The bill requires the department of public safety (DPS), in consultation with the bureau of alcohol, tobacco, firearms, and explosives as necessary, by December 1, 2023, to develop and maintain a system to distribute a unique serial number or other mark of identification for a firearm or unfinished frame or lower receiver intended to be a part of a firearm to any person requesting such number or mark. The bill prohibits a person from removing, defacing, altering, or obliterating the name of any maker or model, maker’s number, unique serial number, or other mark of identification on any firearm.

House subcommittee · named January 10, 2024

• Rep. Phil Thompson (R)
• Rep. Jerome Amos Jr. (D) · jerome.amosjr@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Joshua Meggers (R) · joshua.meggers@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 8 for, 2 against

For: Brady United Against Gun Violence; Episcopal Diocese of Iowa; Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund; Interfaith Alliance of Iowa Action Fund; Iowa Catholic Conference; Iowa Psychological Association; League of Women Voters of Iowa; March For Our Lives Iowa

Against: Iowa Firearms Coalition, Inc.; National Shooting Sports Foundation, Inc.

In plain words

1. February 28, 2023Filed in the House and sent to the Public Safety committee
2. January 10, 2024House subcommittee named: Thompson, P., Amos Jr. and Meggers
3. February 14, 2024Subcommittee recommended against it