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DES MOINES, IA — Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has officially signed House File 924 into law, lowering the minimum age to acquire or carry a weapon in the state from 21 to 18. The law, which goes into effect on July 1, 2025, represents a significant expansion of firearm rights for young adults in Iowa.
HF 924 originated as House Study Bill 262 and moved quickly through the legislative process. It was introduced in the House Judiciary Committee on February 27, 2025, received subcommittee approval on March 4, passed the full committee with a 17-4 vote on March 6, and was approved by the full House in a 60-34 vote on March 13. The Senate passed the bill 32-14 on April 8. Governor Reynolds signed the bill into law on April 18, 2025.
Key Provisions of HF 924:
- Permit Eligibility: Individuals aged 18 and over are now eligible to obtain 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 those 18 and older.
- Supervised Use: Those under 18 may legally possess a pistol or revolver while under direct supervision of a parent, guardian, spouse, or instructor who is at least 18 years old.
- Liability Clause: Adults who allow a minor under 14 to possess a pistol or revolver are strictly liable for any resulting damages.
Previously, Iowa law prohibited individuals under 21 from acquiring permits or possessing pistols and revolvers outside of specific exceptions. HF 924 eliminates that age restriction, aligning the legal threshold for firearm possession and permitting with the age of legal adulthood.
Supporters of the bill argue that 18- to 20-year-olds, who are legally considered adults, should not be denied their right to armed self-defense. Opponents raised concerns over public safety, particularly in relation to handgun access by younger adults.
This legislation is part of a growing national movement to restore Second Amendment rights to Americans aged 18 to 20. So far in 2025, similar legislation has been introduced or passed in states like Florida and Kentucky, and federal efforts have been reintroduced to lower the handgun purchase age. In addition, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals recently struck down the federal ban on handgun sales to 18- to 20-year-olds, reinforcing the trend.
What Happens Next?
HF 924 will officially become law on July 1, 2025. At that time, 18- to 20-year-olds in Iowa will be able to apply for carry permits and legally possess handguns under state law, subject to federal regulations and background checks where applicable.
Bill History & Votes:
- Introduced as HSB 262 in the House Judiciary Committee – Feb. 27, 2025
- Subcommittee Recommended Passage – Mar. 4, 2025
- Committee Vote Passed (17-4) – Mar. 6, 2025
- Renumbered as HF 924 – Mar. 12, 2025
- House Vote Passed (60-34) – Mar. 13, 2025
- Senate Vote Passed (32-14) – Apr. 8, 2025
- Signed by Governor Kim Reynolds – Apr. 18, 2025
This marks a significant win for Iowa’s gun rights advocates and adds to the momentum behind similar efforts nationwide to recognize the full Second Amendment rights of legal adults under 21.
