Keokuk, IA – It will be much easier for an Iowa resident to secure a weapons permit on January 1.
That's because county sheriffs will no longer have the authority to deny a application if the applicant meets certain criteria.
Keokuk Mayor Tom Marion says that's why cities and counties across Iowa are now considering limited gun bans. His proposal would prohibit someone from bringing a gun onto city property, including City Hall, Oakland Cemetery, and Rand Park.
The proposal sparked plenty of discussion Thursday night.
7th Ward Alderwoman Susan Dunek says she agrees with the proposed ordinance, adding that residents should feel safe when they come to locations like City Hall.
1st Ward Alderman Mike O'Connor says the proposal goes against the idea behind the new state law.
"We are talking about legal, ordinary citizens who have applied for and been granted a permit to carry a weapon," says O'Connor, "I don't see the Boogeyman in the closet and unless the Boogeyman comes out, then we will deal with the Boogeyman."
6th Ward Alderman Mike Girard says he would like to hear some public input before going ahead with the banning of guns from city property.
Mayor Tom Marion says signs would have to be put up to make people aware of the ban. He says members of the Keokuk Police Department or other law enforcement agencies would be exempt.
The penalty would be a simple misdemeanor, which carries a fine of up to $500 and up to 30 days in jail.
The city assigned the proposal to its Code Revision committee, which is chaired by 1st Ward Alderman Mike O'Connor.
7th Ward Alderwoman Susan Dunek says she expects to see the ordinance returned to the full council in the very near future.