DES MOINES, IOWA (AP) -- Sheriffs' offices across Iowa are seeing a surge in gun permit applications in the wake of a new state law that requires sheriffs under most circumstances to issue permits to carry concealed weapons.

The Des Moines Register says several sheriffs' offices reported receiving 10 to 20 times as many applications on Monday as they do most days. In Polk County, 308 people applied for permits or renewals. In Story County, there were 52 applications while 83 people applied in Jasper County.

The new law, which took effect last Saturday, limits the discretion local sheriffs previously had in denying permits without explanation. Now, sheriffs can only deny applications for specific reasons, such as a prior criminal record or drug and alcohol addiction, and must provide a written explanation.

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