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N.W. Iowa county returns ban on guns in courthouse

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February 24th, 2018 by Ric Hanson

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) — County supervisors in western Iowa have renewed a ban on guns in the courthouse after a dispute over allowing weapons in parts of the building where court services aren’t held.

The Sioux City Journal reports that Woodbury County Supervisors voted 3-2 Tuesday against permitting guns in non-court controlled spaces of the courthouse.

Supervisor Jeremy Taylor switched positions after being a chief supporter of allowing guns in the courthouse. Taylor says it’s “impractical” to bring guns into portions of courthouse floors, while restricting them on others above and below.

The issue has been widely debated by county supervisors and residents since the expanded gun rights bill took effect in July. It’s also been the subject of two orders by the Iowa Supreme Court.

The new gun law expands Iowa’s stand-your-ground provision.