This bill amends the current law regarding the disposition of firearms and ammunition that have been seized or forfeited and deposited with the Department of Public Safety in Iowa. It establishes that firearms and ammunition that are not illegal or classified as offensive weapons must be sold at public auction, with specific exceptions. These exceptions include instances where the items may be used by the department for law enforcement or testing, possess unique characteristics that warrant their retention in the department's weapons archive, or are involved in exchanges with federal or state agencies under extraordinary circumstances, which must be documented by the commissioner.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that firearms and ammunition can only be destroyed if they do not sell at auction or are deemed damaged or unsafe. It clarifies that illegal or offensive weapons are exempt from these requirements and may be destroyed without following the auction process. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the process of handling seized or forfeited firearms and ammunition while ensuring that legal items are prioritized for public auction.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 809.5, 724.1