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CENTERVILLE, IOWA -- Work in the Legislature turns Iowa from a "may issue" state into a "shall issue" state when it comes to permits to carry concealed weapons.

Our Fact Finder team looked into what changes this bill brings to the state.

“The passing of this bill means basic freedom to make your own choice to protect your life and your family in the state of Iowa. It's going to be fair for all citizens in all 99 counties in Iowa," said Jeff Medina, NRA member and Appanoose County Coordinator for IowaCarry.

The bill creates uniformity across Iowa in issuing permits and Fact Finder discovered sheriffs no longer have the discretion to withhold issuing a permit.

“They have to pass the background check. They have to do the qualify (course). They have to do the standardized training,” Medina said.  "If you don’t pass any of that, you don’t get it. Simple.”

Medina said the bill will make it easier for Iowans to receive a permit because the sheriff can no longer turn them down if qualified.

Fact Finder also talked with Wapello County Sheriff Don Kirkendall. He told Fact Finder that he has his concerns with it and questions whether some parts are good or not.

Kirkendall said they often know individuals’ situations and conditions that may not appear on a background check and would cause them to withhold a license otherwise. He tells Fact Finder some of these situations include domestic abusers in which charges were not filed, people engaged in criminal activities without being charged and mental health conditions. 

“To me, who better than the sheriff of the county to have a handle on the individuals in their respective counties? And, to take that discretion away I don’t think was a good idea,” Kirkendall said.

Kirkendall also told Fact Finder people should not fear for their lives when going to the store or living in their homes.

Fact Finder also learned the bill allows out-of-state residents with legal permits to carry in Iowa.

Permits have been extended to five years from one year.  Training is required for new permits and to renew a permit.