***UPDATE*** Chickasaw County attorney Jennifer L. Schwickerath responded to The Iowa Standard’s inquiry about the no weapons allowed sign, which is posted to Chickasaw County property. We first asked Schwickerath about the sign one month ago. Here is her response:
“Honestly, I don’t know if that sign is or isn’t up right now. It very well could be. My office is not at the courthouse. But the chair of the board is aware of the issue in the new law and my understanding is the board is going to take up a discussion to figure out what they want to do — if they want to not have any security at the courthouse or if they want to do the option where they would have to have additional security. I’m hopeful that they’ll take that up soon.”
About one month ago, The Iowa Standard reached out to Chickasaw County attorney Jennifer L. Schwickerath in regards to a sign posted on county property.
For more than 30 years, Iowa law has prohibited local governments from regulating firearms. A photo was circulated on social media about a month ago that showed a sign declaring weapons are banned on ALL Chickawsaw County property.
That policy is illegal, unless Chickasaw County is utilizing effective screening for weapons at the entrance of each property where weapons are prohibited and the county provides armed security personnel inside each building or structure.
If a person is adversely affected by such a policy, rule or ordinance, they have legal standing to sue for relief and damages according to the law. The prevailing party in the suit shall also be awarded attorney fees and court costs.
