CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA (AP) -- Several Iowa sheriffs are expressing displeasure at legislation passed this week that strips their discretion to issue permits to carry weapons.
The gun permit measure passed Monday requires sheriffs to give a reason if they deny a permit, and make such decisions based on consistent state guidelines.
Linn County Sheriff Brian Gardner says based on their experience and contacts, sheriffs sometimes "just know" without written documentation that a person can't be trusted with a carry permit,
The bill effectively converts Iowa from a state in which sheriffs "may issue" the permits to a state in which they "shall issue" them. The bill awaits signing by Gov. Chet Culver.
Cedar County Sheriff Warren Wethington is a supporter of the bill. He says it makes the law uniform across the state and puts Iowa on the same plane as three dozen other states.
(Copyright ©2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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