The Iowa Supreme Court has upheld a state law restricting gun rights for individuals who were involuntarily committed for mental health treatment, marking a significant test of the state’s recently passed constitutional amendment protecting gun rights. In a 4-3 decision, the court ruled that Iowa Code section 724.31, which outlines a process for restoring firearm rights, does not violate the strict scrutiny standard imposed by the 2022 amendment.
At the center of the case was “N.S.,” a man denied a concealed carry permit due to a 2006 mental health commitment.
As a teenager, N.S. was committed after family members reported threats to harm himself and others. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder and substance abuse issues, N.S. later sought to have his firearm rights restored under the state’s restoration process, which requires proving that the petitioner is no longer a threat to public safety.
The court ruled that the law serves a “compelling state interest” in preventing gun violence and suicides and is “narrowly tailored” to achieve that goal. Justice Thomas Waterman, writing for the majority, emphasized that the process allows individuals to petition every two years to regain their rights, ensuring the restrictions are not permanent for those who can demonstrate they are no longer a danger.
Opponents, including Justice Matthew McDermott in a dissent joined by two other justices, argued that the restoration process unfairly places the burden of proof on the petitioner rather than the state. McDermott contended that strict scrutiny requires the government to justify the restriction, not for the individual to prove their suitability.
Gun rights advocates had hoped the constitutional amendment, which demands the highest level of judicial review for gun laws, would lead to fewer restrictions. However, this decision underscores that even under strict scrutiny, courts may uphold measures aimed at public safety.
The ruling highlights ongoing tensions between individual rights and public safety in gun law debates. The Iowa Firearms Coalition noted that while it supports the restoration process, it will continue advocating for policies that reduce barriers for law-abiding gun owners.
For now, the court’s decision reinforces Iowa’s ability to regulate firearms for individuals with significant mental health histories.
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