HF 518: Relating to damages against participants in firearms regulation violations by political subdivisions

What it does

This bill relates to damages against participants in firearms regulation violations by political subdivisions. Under current law, if a political subdivision violates the prohibition against firearms regulation, a person adversely affected may file suit in the appropriate court for declaratory and injunctive relief and all damages attributable to the violation. A court is required to award the prevailing party in any such lawsuit reasonable attorney fees and court costs. In addition to such damages, the bill requires the court to assess damages against participants in the violation in the amount of not more than $500 and not less than $100 per day, or if a person knowingly participated in such a violation, in the amount of not more than $2,500 and not less than $1,000 per day.

House subcommittee · named January 25, 2024

• Rep. Bill Gustoff (R) · bill.gustoff@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Rick L. Olson (D) · rick.olson@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Jeff Shipley (R) · jeff.shipley@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 3 for, 3 against

For: Iowa Firearms Coalition, Inc.; National Rifle Association of America; VALOR Iowa

Against: Brady United Against Gun Violence; City of Iowa City; Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund

In plain words

1. March 1, 2023Filed in the House and sent to the Public Safety committee
2. January 24, 2024House subcommittee named: Gustoff, Olson and Shipley
3. February 5, 2024Subcommittee recommended passing it
4. February 14, 2024Approved by the House committee
5. February 15, 2024Approved by the House committee, and given a new number: HF 2556
6. February 29, 2024Withdrawn