Hunter
03/26/25
The Iowa House has passed legislation lowering the minimum age to buy and carry handguns from 21 to 18.
The Gazette reports the bill also makes it a serious misdemeanor if someone who is 18 or older sells, loans, gives or makes a pistol, revolver or ammunition available to someone younger than 18. It is a class “D” felony for second and subsequent offenses.
The bill also stipulates that a parent, guardian or spouse who is 18 years or older can supervise someone who is under 18 to possess a pistol, revolver or ammunition for any “lawful purpose, or while the person receives instruction“. It would also hold a parent, guardian or spouse liable for damages that result from giving their child under 14 a pistol, revolver or ammunition.
Due to federal restrictions, 18- to 20-year-olds still would be prohibited from buying a handgun from a federally licensed firearm dealer, but would be allowed to purchase pistols and revolvers through a private sale.
The bill now moves to the Senate.