Iowa Representative Phil Thompson. Photo courtesy of Iowa Legislature website

The Iowa Legislature is looking to push through a bill that was approved by both the House and Senate last year to eventually amend the state’s constitution, but hit a stumbling block.

District 47 Representative Phil Thompson says the Secretary of State’s office failed to publish the notice of an amendment to the second amendment of the state’s constitution to be considered on the 2020 ballot for Iowans to keep and bear arms. Sources say the change reads: “the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed. The sovereign state of Iowa affirms and recognizes this right to be a fundamental individual right. Any and all restrictions of this right shall be subject to strict scrutiny.”

Thompson says had the measure been published by the Secretary of State’s office, it would need to be passed by both the House and Senate this year to remain on track to be on the ballot for next year’s general election. Now, with the delay, Thompson says everything has been pushed back.

“We’re back to square one. So it’s through public safety (committee) now. So now essentially this general assembly has to pass it, and then in 2020 that general assembly that’s elected will have to pass it. And then it won’t be considered on the ballot until 2022. We’re upset with where we’re at but we’re going to continue with (our) mission and just do what we can and that’s to make sure that this doesn’t happen again (and) to drive it on through.”

Thompson adds that the potential amendment will next be considered by the full House for debate and a vote.