DES MOINES, IOWA (AP) -- Iowa's sheriffs association says starting in January permits will be issued for Iowans who have a legal gun permit to carry unconcealed weapons in public.
Leaders in the Iowa State Sheriffs and Deputies Association said Wednesday a new state law also would allow Iowans to drink alcohol while carrying a handgun. The Des Moines Register reports Iowans can start seeking permits starting Jan. 3. Sheriffs currently issue more than 36,000 weapons permits statewide each year.
The newspaper reports many Iowa sheriffs dislike the new law because they can't deny permits to Iowans.
Incoming sheriff's association president, Bremer County Sheriff Duane Hildebrandt, said sheriffs will "fulfill their professional responsibility to uphold the laws."
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