Branstad releases streamlined application for restoration of firearm rights and pardon

DES MOINES – Today, at the Administration’s weekly press conference, Gov. Terry Branstad released a new form for individuals who apply for a restoration of firearm rights or pardon. The new streamlined application is more clear and organized for applicants, and provides complete and simple instructions. The new application also reduces the number of pages from five to two and the number of questions from 43 to 29.

Approximately over 100 individuals apply for their restoration of firearms rights and/or a pardon each year. This new application ensures that public safety is taken into account while creating an efficient form that allows eligible Iowans a process to restore those rights.

“We’re pleased to be able to make the restoration of firearms rights and pardon applications easier for eligible Iowans while protecting public safety,” said Branstad. “I encourage all eligible Iowans who have committed felonies to visit our website and begin the process of restoring those rights.

The application that was released today comes as the result of a review that was announced earlier this year. On April 27, 2016, Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds announced a review of all four executive clemency applications to streamline the process and find government efficiencies. That same day, the governor’s office released a one-page streamlined application form for those seeking a restoration of their voting rights. This form is less than one page in length and reduces the number of questions from 29 to 13.

Branstad also took the time today to applaud the recent Iowa Supreme Court decision that prevents convicted felons from voting unless their rights are restored by the governor. Branstad said, “This common sense decision balances the rights of convicted felons with the responsibilities felons have to their victims and the community after they commit their crime. The court upheld Iowa’s good and fair policy on the restoration of rights for convicted felons and to automatically restore the right to vote without requiring the completion of the responsibilities associated with the criminal conviction would severely damage the balance between the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.”