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HF 23

A bill for an act relating to discharging firearms on public roadways, and making penalties applicable.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Taylor Collins

Prohibits discharging a firearm from within or on a motor vehicle on a public roadway; violators face a simple misdemeanor with a $30 fine.

Subcommittee recommends passage.
#firearms #highways
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HF 23

HF 23 – Summary

A bill relating to discharging firearms on public roadways and penalties.

Overview

HF 23 would prohibit discharging a firearm from within or on a motor vehicle on a public roadway. The measure adds a new subsection to an existing statute and establishes a simple misdemeanor penalty with a modest fine. The bill was introduced January 14, 2025 and, as of the latest action, the subcommittee recommended passage.

What the bill would do

  • Prohibits discharging a firearm from within or on a motor vehicle on a public roadway.
  • Expands the scope of prohibitions related to firing firearms near roadways, complementing existing restrictions on shooting over public waters, public highways, railroad right-of-way, or discharging certain firearms over roadways.

Key provisions

  • New subsection added to Section 481A.54 (proposed as NEW SUBSECTION 2A):
    • “A person shall not discharge a firearm from within or on a motor vehicle, as defined in section 321.1, subsection 42, on a public roadway, as defined in section 321.1, subsection 65.”
  • Penalty:
    • Guilty of a simple misdemeanor.
    • Punishable as a scheduled violation with a fine of $30.
  • Definitions involved (cross-referenced):
    • Motor vehicle defined in section 321.1, subsection 42.
    • Public roadway defined in section 321.1, subsection 65.

Who would be affected

  • Individuals who discharge a firearm from within or on a motor vehicle on a public roadway.
  • Law enforcement and legal systems administering the offense and associated penalties.
  • Vehicle users and firearm owners operating near public roadways, who must comply with the prohibition.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced: January 14, 2025.
  • Subcommittee action: January 15, 2025 (Dieken, Fisher, Kressig named as subcommittee members).
  • Hearing/meeting: February 11, 2025 (Subcommittee meeting noted for 8:30 AM in House Lounge 2).
  • Subcommittee recommendation: Passed (02/11/2025). Status suggests movement toward further committee consideration.
  • Sponsor: Primary — Collins.

Considerations and context

  • The bill fits within a broader framework of firearm safety and road/ public safety by restricting firing from vehicles along roadways.
  • The penalty is modest ($30), reflecting a scheduled violation rather than a higher-tier offense, though enforcement and courtroom handling may vary by jurisdiction.
  • This measure aligns with existing prohibitions on firing near or over roadways by extending the “from within or on a motor vehicle” restriction to public roadways themselves.

If you’d like, I can add a quick comparison to existing related prohibitions or draft a one-page plain-language briefing for policymakers or the public.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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