A bill for an act relating to the safety of persons in certain professions involved with the judicial system, including authorizing a member of the general assembly, judicial officer, attorney general, deputy attorney general, or assistant attorney general to be issued a professional permit to carry weapons, establishing the criminal offenses of threatening and the malicious sharing of personal information of a general assembly member or a judicial officer or a general assembly member's or a judicial officer's immediate family, and considering true threats to public officials as harassment, and providing penalties. (Formerly SSB 3087.) Effective date: 07/01/2026.

The bill allows certain public officials, including members of the Iowa General Assembly and judicial officers, to carry weapons for their safety. It also creates new criminal offenses for threatening these officials and for sharing their personal information maliciously. Additionally, it redefines true threats against public officials as harassment, which carries penalties.

Supporters of the bill argue that it enhances the safety of elected officials and judicial officers, ensuring they can perform their duties without fear of intimidation or harm. They believe that allowing these professionals to carry weapons is a necessary measure to protect democracy and public safety.

Critics of the bill contend that it could escalate violence and intimidation against public officials rather than protect them. They argue that allowing weapons in the hands of lawmakers and judicial officers may create a dangerous precedent and contribute to a culture of fear and hostility in politics.