In response to the new Iowa law that allows people to openly carry firearms in public places, the Iowa Bankers Association (IBA) has developed “No Weapons Allowed on Premises” posters and window decals for its member banks to display.
 
More than 1,200 window decals have already been downloaded by 137 banks statewide from the IBA’s website, www.iowabankers.com.

“I think they’ve been pretty well received,” said John Sorensen, the IBA’s president and CEO, who said the materials are being offered free to banks that want to use them. “We believe we are within our rights to have Iowa banks display these and make it known that that is going to be their policy.”

The new law became effective on Jan. 1, and the group says on its website that many banks have expressed concerns about how to protect their employees. 

On its website, the IBA cited a 2003 Iowa attorney general’s opinion that stated, “We doubt … that the legislature intended … to limit the ability of a property owner to prohibit the possession of a weapon on their property.”

“Further, recent communication with the Iowa attorney general’s office confirms that persons with permits to carry weapons are expected to honor signage posted on private or public facilities prohibiting weapons on premises,” the IBA said on its website.

Sorensen said he has not heard of any opposition from pro-gun groups about the decals.

“It’s pretty obvious that when people walk into a bank environment, they expect a certain level of security and privacy,” he said.