Bills › 91st General Assembly
Relating to the disposition of firearms and ammunition deposited with the department of public safety through seizure or forfeiture proceedings
Sponsored by the House Public Safety Committee, Rep. Matt W. Windschitl (R)
Topics:FirearmsPublic safety & emergencies
Same legislation: HF 519
Where it is now
- Done: IntroducedFebruary 20, 2025
- Done: SubcommitteeFebruary 25, 2025
- Done: House committeeMarch 5, 2025
- Done: Passes the HouseMarch 24, 202595–0
- Stopped: Senate committeeDied when the General Assembly ended
- Next: Passes the Senate
- Next: To the Governor
- Next: Signed into law
Died when the session ended The 2026 session adjourned on May 3, 2026, the General Assembly’s last regular session. Bills that didn’t pass both chambers died. What’s a funnel?
What’s in it
AI summary The Department of Public Safety must now sell seized legal firearms and ammunition at public auctions instead of just destroying them. They can only destroy these items if they fail to sell, are damaged, or are unsafe to use. Exceptions allow the department to keep certain items for their own use, for an archive, or for special exchanges with other agencies.1
Read the official explanation
This bill relates to the disposition of firearms and ammunition deposited with the department of public safety (department) through seizure or forfeiture proceedings. Current law provides the department with specified options on how to dispose of firearms or ammunition acquired through seizure or forfeiture, including destruction of the firearm or ammunition. The bill requires the department to sell seized or forfeited legal firearms and ammunition through public auction, unless an exception applies. The exceptions include if the firearm or ammunition may be otherwise used by the department, has such distinctive or unique characteristics so as to make it an important addition to the department’s weapons archive, or is necessary for an exchange with a federal agency or agency from another state for specified uses or due to extraordinary circumstances, which shall be individually approved and recorded by the commissioner. The bill also provides that a firearm or ammunition may be destroyed only if it fails to sell at public auction or is determined damaged or unsafe for use. Certain disposition requirements do not apply to weapons or ammunition that are illegal or offensive weapons.
Why it matters. The Department of Public Safety would be required to sell seized or forfeited legal firearms and ammunition through public auction instead of destroying them, unless the items are unsafe, fail to sell, or meet specific exceptions. These exceptions allow the department to keep items for its own use, add unique pieces to its weapons archive, or use them for agency exchanges.2
Senate subcommittee
Named March 27, 2025. It hasn’t reported yet.
Three legislators hear a bill first and recommend what the committee should do; it’s the best time to weigh in. How to take part
Iowa Code it changes
Lobbying
4 for · 2 against · 6 undecided · Who →
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91st General Assembly