MASON CITY, IA-In the last year, Iowa gun laws have been expanded to allow more people the right to carry.
But now some are saying it's not enough and because of that a legislative shoot out is brewing.
There are multiple efforts out there to enhance gun rights in the state.
One amends the state constitution and that would basically throw out virtually all gun regulations in Iowa.
Another permits a shoot-to-kill response by anyone who believes their life is being threatened.
Others would allow people to carry a weapon on any government-owned property.
Lawmakers must find a way to balance your constitutional right to bear arms, with the overall interest of public safety.
The Second Amendment gives us the right to bear arms.
The question is how far does that right extend?
Gun owner Jim Reed says, "I kind of like the law the way it is, where you go in get a lesson and you get a permit to carry."
Reed is licensed to carry a weapon.
He believes it's a right that needs no restrictions.
Reed says, "Any place, any time."
Some are actually pushing toward that.
Right now there are certain public places you can't take a gun.
One bill would actually allow you to carry a gun pretty much anywhere. Even in a courthouse or a school, you could have a firearm.
County Attorney Carlyle Dalen says, "The courthouse is a place that I think should be fairly secure. The reason is we do a lot of business in the courthouse and a lot of times it is very volatile."
Dalen says they already have to take extra precautions to keep safe because of the issues deal with in the courtroom.
There's security in place.
So in this case, he feels the issue of public safety outweighs a person's right to carry a gun in all places.
Dalen says, "I mean I strongly believe in ones right to bare arms, that something that I have always felt dear to. But the problem is that there has to be some places that everybody comes to where they just feel safe."
Area legislators agree, this may not be the best idea.
State Representative Sharon Steckman says, "I don’t know how safe I would feel in a courtroom sitting there knowing there are people with guns or in a school. I just think the way we have it now is working fine."
In the meantime, responsible gun owners like Reed will continue advocating for their rights.
Reed says, “Usually the people that get the permits know what they are doing.”
Minnesota law also prohibits folks from carrying guns on many public properties and private ones too if it is posted.
