The Iowa legislature has introduced a bill, SF 459, to allow employees and volunteers who have carry permits, to keep firearms in their locked vehicle, in parking lots, even if the employer forbids firearms on their property. The bill passed out of the Senate subcommittee on 23 January 2020.
The benefit in the bill, for the employer or lawful owner or possessor of the property, is they are held immune for any actions that may have allegedly caused harm due to the presence of the firearm in the locked vehicle.
Functions:
1. For purposes of this section, “employee” includes a contract employee or volunteer.
2. An employer shall not prohibit an employee in possession of a permit issued pursuant to section 724.6 or 724.7 from carrying, transporting, or possessing a firearm or ammunition, if the firearm and ammunition are out of sight and inside the locked motor vehicle of the employee on the real property comprising the employee’s place of employment, provided the motor vehicle is parked in a location designated or allowed for employee parking, and if the carrying, transportation, or possession of the firearm or ammunition is otherwise lawful under the laws of this state.
3. An employer, owner, or lawful possessor of the property on which the employer is located shall be immune from any claim, cause of action, or lawsuit brought by any person seeking damages that are alleged, directly or indirectly, as a result of any firearm or ammunition brought onto the property of the employer, owner, or lawful possessor by an employee pursuant to this section.