DES MOINES, Iowa, Jan. 5 (UPI) -- Thousands of Iowans applied for gun permits this week as a new law took effect requiring that most concealed carry applications be granted, officials said.
Some counties reported a huge jump in the number of applicants Monday, The Des Moines (Iowa) Register reported. In Polk County, where about 300 people typically apply in a month, 308 did so Monday.
Under the previous law, county sheriffs could reject an application for almost any reason. Jasper County Sheriff Michael Balmer said he used to turn down anyone who could not provide a convincing reason for needing to carry a gun.
Under the new law, which took effect Saturday, applications can only be rejected because of felony or domestic violence convictions, an adjudication of mental illness and a few other specific grounds. Veterans can substitute their military experience for the required state training.
