Iowa weapons free zones (parks)

[Tallinar]

So I've been thinking about this one a lot lately. I'm hoping maybe we have some Iowans (or even Iowa LEO's) on here who can shed some light on this one for me.

724.4A Weapons free zones ‐‐ enhanced penalties.
1. As used in this section, "weapons free zone" means the area in or on, or within one thousand feet of, the real property comprising a public or private elementary or secondary school, or in or on the real property comprising a public park. A weapons free zone shall not include that portion of a public park designated as a hunting area under section 461A.42.

My concern is this. I live approximately 1,000 feet from a park (small public playground-type park). If I have a permit to carry, and I take one step off my property with a pistol on my person, does this mean I am breaking the law? Or is the 1,000 foot part of this section referring to within 1,000 feet of a school only?

The way it's worded, I can't tell if the 1,000 foot thing refers to schools and parks, or schools only.

Also, on a similar note, if I happen to be driving on a main street that happens to pass by two schools, and I am carrying on my person in my vehicle as I drive by - am I breaking the law while in transit to my destination?

If anyone can speak with certainty or authority on this subject, I would greatly appreciate it.

 

[hammerklavier]

In the park only. See how "in or on" gets restated? Can't speak to driving by but allowances are usually made for that.

 

[Tallinar]

See how "in or on" gets restated?

That's how I read it as well - for that same reason.

Anyone else care to chime in?

 

[MisterMike]

You need to read all the statutes pertaining to concealed carry. Based on a quick reading of Iowa's basic concealed carry statute, this does not apply to one who has a valid concealed carry permit (as well as a variety of other individuals engaged in lawful carry as a function of their duties). It does apply to one who is unlawfully carrying a concealed weapon, changing what would in other circumstances be a misdemeanor, to a felony.

Again, quick reading . . . take a closer look for yourself.

 

[Scimmia]

It really doesn't matter if it's refering to schools only or if it includes parks. You have to read the entire section. All this statute does is double the penalties for commiting a crime with a weapon in these zones, it doesn't ban weapons outright.

724.4A Weapons free zones — enhanced penalties.
1. As used in this section, “weapons free zone” means the area in or on, or within one
thousand feet of, the real property comprising a public or private elementary or secondary
school, or in or on the real property comprising a public park. A weapons free zone shall not
include that portion of a public park designated as a hunting area under section 461A.42.
2. Notwithstanding sections 902.9 and 903.1, a person who commits a public offense
involving a firearm or offensive weapon, within a weapons free zone, in violation of this
or any other chapter shall be subject to a fine of twice the maximum amount which may
otherwise be imposed for the public offense.

 

[Tallinar]

That makes a lot more sense to me.

 

[Owen Sparks]

Why don't they just have "crime free zones" and then they would not have to worry about weapons.