Iowa residents will no longer be required to acquire a permit to buy or carry a handgun under the new law signed by Governor Kim Reynolds. The new law, called the “Constitutional Carry Law,” will take effect on July 1.

“Today I signed legislation that protects the 2nd Amendment rights of Iowa’s law-abiding citizens while still preventing the sale of firearms to criminals and other dangerous individuals,” Reynolds said after singing the new measure. 

Under the new law, Iowa residents will no longer need to under a background check to get a permit to buy a handgun. Background checks for permits to carry – required under Iowa’s previous gun permitting requirements – will also no longer be necessary.

After the law takes effect, residents can visit any federally licensed dealer to buy a gun without a permit. However, dealers will still be required to run background checks before they can proceed with the purchase. 

Democrats and critics of the law said the measure will effectively roll back background checks on private gun sales. When the law takes effect, people will be able to legally buy handguns in a private sale without the need for permits.

“A person could be able to purchase a firearm from a private seller with no background check and then carry that firearm anywhere in public without any type of firearms proficiency training if this bill is adopted,” Senate Minority Leader Zach Wahls said.

Wahls has openly called on Reynolds and other Iowa lawmakers to veto the new legislation. Reynolds argued that Iowa’s gun laws were “reasonable and responsible” and the new legislation is the “appropriate approach.”