Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SF2253

Introduced
2/7/24  
Introduced
2/7/24  

Caption

A bill for an act establishing a mental health firearm safety fund.

Impact

The legislation allows HHS to award grants, capped at $5,000 per organization each fiscal year, to aid in the training of staff at firearms retailers and ranges. These grants will support initiatives such as making staff aware of potential suicide indicators, distributing suicide prevention materials, and offering voluntary temporary storage of firearms for owners experiencing mental health emergencies. This approach is expected to create a proactive framework for mitigating risks associated with firearms and mental health crises.

Summary

Senate File 2253 establishes a Mental Health Firearm Safety Fund in Iowa, designed to enhance firearm safety through mental health awareness initiatives. This fund aims to provide financial support to organizations working to recognize and address mental health issues that could lead to firearm-related incidents, particularly suicide. The fund will be administered by the state's Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and will be financed through appropriations from the state legislature as well as other funds that may be secured by HHS.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support for its focus on mental health and firearm safety, it may face pushback over the allocation of resources and how effectively the funds will be utilized by recipient organizations. Critics might argue that simply providing financial support does not guarantee successful implementation of training or prevention programs, raising questions about accountability and the measurable impact of such initiatives. Additionally, there could be concerns regarding the accessibility of these funds to smaller organizations that help local communities.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

IA SF2098

A bill for an act relating to firearms, including background checks for acquiring pistols or revolvers, identification markings on firearms and firearm parts, trigger locks, extreme risk protective orders, mental health funding, certain firearm transfers, and certain related crimes, and providing penalties.

IA HB159

Authorizing the state to report mental health data for firearms background check purposes and providing for processes for voluntary surrender of firearms following certain mental health-related court proceedings and for relief from mental health-related firearms disabilities.

IA SB144

Authorizing the state to report mental health data for firearms background check purposes and providing for processes for confiscation of firearms following certain mental health-related court proceedings and for relief from mental health-related firearms disabilities.

IA HB1152

Enhancing public safety by establishing secure storage requirements for firearms in vehicles and residences.

IA SB8

Exempting the sale of firearms, firearms accessories, ammunition, firearm safes and firearm safety devices from the retatilers' sales tax.

IA SB209

Providing a sales tax exemption for sales of firearms, firearm accessories, ammunition, firearm safes and firearm safety devices.

IA SB669

In firearms and other dangerous articles, further providing for definitions, for the offense of persons not to possess, use, manufacture, control, sell or transfer firearms, for sale or transfer of firearms, for Pennsylvania State Police, for firearm sales surcharge, for Firearm Records Check Fund, for retail dealer required to be licensed and for licensing of dealers and providing for ammunition purchase authorization permits and for transporting ammunition into this Commonwealth; establishing the Ammunition Safety and Enforcement Fund; and making editorial changes.

IA SF4067

Omnibus Firearms Bill

IA SF2128

A bill for an act relating to securing firearms and establishing a private cause of action and including applicability provisions.

IA HB340

Firearms licensed; require proof of mental health evaluation.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.