Iowa Laws Relating to Workplace Violence

A summary of Iowa laws relating to weapons and conduct that impact workplace violence.

It is unlawful to be armed with a dangerous weapon concealed on or about one's person or, within the limits of any city, to be armed with a pistol, revolver or any loaded firearm, whether concealed or not, or to knowingly carry or transport a pistol or revolver in a vehicle.

The prohibition does not apply to, among others, persons who:

• are armed with a dangerous weapon in their own dwellings or places of business or on land they own or possess
• for a lawful purpose, carry unloaded pistols, revolvers or other dangerous weapons inside closed and fastened containers or securely wrapped packages that are too large to be concealed on the person
• for a lawful purpose, carry or transport unloaded pistols or revolvers in a vehicle inside closed and fastened containers or securely wrapped packages that are too large to be concealed on the person or inside a cargo or luggage compartment where the pistol or revolver will not be readily accessible to any person riding in the vehicle
• while engaged in target practice on a target practice range or while lawfully hunting
• have in their possession and who display to a peace officer on demand valid permits to carry weapons that have been issued to them, if their conduct is within the limits of the permit

A person armed with a concealed revolver, pistol or pocket billy must have his or her carry permit in his or her immediate possession.

It is unlawful to be armed with, carry or transport any firearm, whether concealed or not, on the grounds of a private or public school, even with a valid carry permit.

A weapons-free zone exists in the area in, on or within 1,000 feet of the real property comprising a private or public elementary or secondary school or in or on the real property comprising a public park.