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DES MOINES, IA — The Iowa House Judiciary Committee has approved House Study Bill 262 (HSB262), which would lower the minimum age requirement for acquiring or carrying weapons from 21 to 18. The bill, which has been renumbered as House File 924 (HF924), now moves forward for consideration by the full House.
Key Provisions of HF924:
- Permit Eligibility: Individuals aged 18 and above would be eligible to apply for both professional and nonprofessional permits to carry firearms.
- Firearm Transactions: The bill allows the sale, loan, or gift of pistols, revolvers, and their ammunition to individuals 18 years or older.
- Supervised Use: Persons under 18 may possess pistols or revolvers under direct supervision of a parent, guardian, spouse aged 18 or older, or an instructor aged 18 or older, with appropriate consent.
- Liability Clause: Parents, guardians, or spouses aged 18 or older who allow minors under 14 to possess pistols or revolvers are strictly liable for any resulting damages.
The bill received a favorable committee vote of 17-4, signaling strong support among lawmakers. Proponents argue that legal adults should not be denied their constitutional right to self-defense, while opponents raise concerns about public safety.
This bill is part of a growing trend across the country to restore Second Amendment rights to 18- to 20-year-olds. Several other states have introduced or passed similar measures, including Florida, Kentucky, and federal efforts to lower the handgun purchase age. Additionally, the Fifth Circuit Court recently struck down the federal handgun sales ban for 18- to 20-year-olds, reinforcing the argument that legal adults should not face age-based restrictions on their rights.
What Happens Next?
HF924 will now move to the full Iowa House for debate and a vote. If it passes the House, the bill will head to the Iowa Senate for consideration. Should both chambers approve the legislation, it will be sent to the governor’s desk for final approval. Given the strong pro-Second Amendment stance among Iowa lawmakers, the bill has a solid chance of becoming law. However, it is expected to face opposition from gun control advocates who argue that lowering the age requirement could lead to increased risks.
