A contentious bill is in the Iowa Senate proposing changes to firearms laws.

One of the changes is making sure those who apply for a new permit to carry a firearm, go through safety training. Greene County Sheriff Jack Williams thinks having upfront training is good, but he would like to see fire range practice time be added to show an individual’s competency with a firearm.

“We have people who come to the front counter (of the law enforcement center) after they’ve taken an internet class and they have to ask the rules and regulations of carrying, which they should learn in the class, but they’re not.”

Another important part of the bill is allowing individuals to defend themselves with a firearm when it’s necessary to do so.

“I think people should be able to defend themselves, without repercussions from the courts of civil (law)suits. I really do think they need to define ‘defending yourself or in fear of your life or imminent danger to yourself or another.’”

Williams also likes eliminating the minimum age requirement for a child to handle a firearm while under the supervision of a parent or guardian because it puts the responsibility on the parent.

A Senate committee continues to work on the bill that was passed by the House earlier this month.