DES MOINES, IA – An Iowa Senate subcommittee has recommended passage of Senate File 2263, a bill that would expand protections for lawful firearm possession in vehicles across several locations in the state.
Introduced by Sen. Jason Schultz, R, SF 2263 was referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee on February 10, 2026. On February 17, a subcommittee recommended the bill for passage. A committee hearing is scheduled, according to the Iowa Legislature.
The bill includes five key changes:
- Public parking lots: Allows lawful firearms to remain inside locked, privately owned vehicles in publicly accessible, nonsecure parking lots operated by state or local governments. The firearm must be out of sight. This section would take effect upon enactment and does not apply to National Guard facilities.
- Foster care transport: Prohibits state regulators from banning lawful firearms in vehicles used to transport foster children, regardless of whether the firearm is loaded.
- College campuses: Prevents public universities and community colleges from banning lawful firearms stored in locked personal vehicles on campus, as long as the firearm is not visible. Institutions would receive immunity from related civil claims.
- Schools and parks: Removes the term “weapons free zone” from Iowa Code while maintaining enhanced penalties for firearm related offenses near schools and in public parks.
- School parking lots: Allows permit holders to carry or transport a concealed pistol or revolver in school driveways and parking lots, while remaining in those areas. Schools would be immune from related lawsuits.
Under current law, unlawfully carrying a firearm on school grounds remains a Class D felony.
SF 2263 focuses on protecting lawful gun owners who store firearms inside locked vehicles, while keeping existing criminal penalties in place for illegal possession or misuse.
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