Senate moves to protect families threatened by domestic violence

Since 1995, guns have been used in more than half of all Iowa murders involving domestic abuse. Fifty-four percent of women killed by an intimate partner were shot; 50 percent of men killed by an intimate partner were shot; and 57 percent of children and bystanders killed in domestic violence attacks were shot.

Recently, the Iowa Senate acted to protect families by making these types of tragedies involving guns and domestic abuse less likely. On a bipartisan vote, the Iowa Senate approved SF 2357, conforming Iowa law to federal law.

Here are the main provisions of  SF 2357:

** It prohibits a person from possessing a firearm if they have a domestic abuse protective order against them or have a criminal conviction for domestic abuse. 

** A person will be disqualified from possessing a firearm only after they’ve had notice of a hearing and the opportunity to be heard. A temporary order prohibiting the possession of firearms may not be issued.

** Mere acquaintances cannot seek a civil domestic abuse protective order. The law allows only a limited group of persons to apply for civil domestic abuse protective orders. For example, the parties must be married, living together, have a minor child together or have a lengthy romantic relationship. 

** The civil domestic abuse protective order lasts for one year only. The order could be extended, but only after there has been notice and another hearing. 

** Either party may petition the court to terminate the protective order.

** When a civil domestic abuse protective order expires, an individual regains the right to possess firearms.

** Any temporary protective order issued by the court must include notice to the defendant that he or she might lose their right to possess firearms.  

** A person who has lost the right to possess firearms may sell or transfer their firearms to another person. Otherwise, firearms will be held by the county sheriff or a local law enforcement agency. 

Read the full bill at http://tiny.cc/SF2357.

For more information, go to the Iowa Attorney General’s Web site at http://tiny.cc/IowaAG_guns_DV.