With an anticipated end date for the 2021 Iowa General Assembly in mid-April, House District 12 Representative, Brian Best, says it has been a busy session with bills covering everything from recyclables to constitutional rights. There are a few headline makers that have passed through both chambers, but still draw questions from constituents. The first is one Best says has been a caucus priority for years and is often called the “constitutional carry” bill. The bill will allow off-duty law enforcement to carry guns on school grounds and provides professional permits to Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) trained and serving with a tactical team. There is one area he says that is often misunderstood.
It will still be much easier for those who want to purchase firearms to get the permit and have the background check done once instead of going through it with each purchase. In addition, dealers at gun shows or in businesses could face a felony charge if they sell to anyone they believe has mental health issues or is obviously impaired. The other involves changes that reduce the number of early voting days and Election Day poll hours. Best explains the impact on early voting.
He says the reduced period puts Iowa closer to the middle of the pack in the nation. Best says there is also an effort in the bill aimed at stopping special interest groups from soliciting and delivering ballots in large quantities.
Although there were no infractions in this region, there were auditors that did not follow regulations in the 2020 election.
The one-hour poll closing change, from 9 p.m. to 8 p.m., was actually a request from the poll workers. The typical volunteer is retired and it is a very long day for them. The full interview with Best can be found below and Carroll Broadcasting will bring you more from him in upcoming newscasts.
Full interview with Iowa House Representative, Brian Best:
