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Legislative Day: The Effort to Add the "Right to Bear Arms" to the Iowa Constitution

The U.S. Constitution guarantees the right to bear arms, but Iowa is one of a handful of states that does not mention this right in its constitution.

On this edition of River to River, host Ben Kieffer and IPR correspondent Joyce Russell talk with lawmakers for and against the proposal to add the right to bear arms to the Iowa Constitution. 

Supporters say the provision will make sure the right to acquire, own, and carry firearms is protected for future generations, while skeptics and opponents of the proposal worry it could weaken the state's ability to regulate guns in the future.

They also talk with lawmakers about proposed budget cuts to Iowa’s judicial system, and concerns that such cuts would lead to trial delays and layoffs.

Guests this hour include: Chris Larimer, associate professor of political science at the University of Northern Iowa; Rep. Matt Windschitl (R) of Missouri Valley; Rep. Liz Bennett (D) of Cedar Rapids; Rep. Gary Worthan (R) of Storm Lake; Sen. Rob Hogg (D) of Cedar Rapids; Steve Eckley, President of the Iowa State Bar Association; and Scott Peters, associate professor of political science at the University of Northern Iowa.

Ben Kieffer is the host of IPR's River to River