18 to be the new minimum handgun age in Iowa

Beginning July 1, Iowa joins 23 states allowing the purchase and carrying of handguns by individuals 18 and older, rather than the federal age of 21.

On April 18, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signed HF 924 into law, changing the state’s minimum age.

While both federal and Iowa law already allowed for the purchase of long guns like shotguns and rifles for 18 year olds, many states don’t allow this for pistols and revolvers.

Ten states and the District of Columbia have minimum age gun laws stricter than the federal standard.

Proponents of lowering the handgun purchase age say it prevents discrimination.

“This aligns with recent federal court rulings affirming that young adults, aged 18 to 20 may not, as a class, be denied full access to their Second Amendment rights,” reads a statement by the Iowa Firearms Coalition. “By proactively addressing this issue, Iowa lawmakers have helped ensure our state remains a leader in protecting these fundamental rights.”

A lobbyist with the Iowa Firearms Coalition, Richard Rogers, said this change is long overdue.

“Iowa’s young adults are being discriminated against unfairly as to their Second Amendment rights,” he said. “They are legally and morally responsible for the care and safety of that family, and yet, we deny them the access to the most practical, portable tool for self-defense.”

The law also allows those 18 years or older who are a parent, guardian or spouse of someone who is younger than 18 to directly supervise the younger individual in possessing a pistol, revolver or ammunition. The adult must “maintain a physical presence near the supervised person conducive to hands-on instruction, who maintains visual and verbal contact at all times with the supervised person and who is not intoxicated.”

Since 2021, Iowans are allowed to both purchase and carry handguns without a permit to acquire or a permit to carry, subject to certain limitations.

The Iowa Department of Public Safety still recommends obtaining a permit as there are benefits, including allowing Iowans to carry in states with permit reciprocity while traveling.

Critics of the bill cite the dangers of gun violence in young adults.

“Laws imposing minimum age requirements for the possession and purchase of firearms are intended to decrease access to firearms by young people and, correspondingly, to decrease the number of suicides, homicides and unintentional shootings among that population,” reads a statement by Giffords Law Center. “Given that young people are at elevated risk of engaging in violent behaviors against themselves or others, these laws have the potential to protect a particularly vulnerable group.”

An FBI Supplementary Homicide Report shows 18-20 year olds comprise just 4% of the U.S. population but account for 17% of known gun homicide offenders.

Giffords also cites a 2024 study that found state laws raising the minimum legal age to purchase firearms to 21 were associated with a 12% decline in rates of firearm suicides among 18 to 20 year olds.

Other Firearms Bills

May 6, Reynolds signed Senate File 106 into law, allowing the carry of a loaded firearm while operating a snowmobile or ATV.

While the bill still prohibits discharging a weapon while operating the vehicle, it does allow for carrying if all other conduct is lawful. Non-ambulatory Iowans are allowed to shoot while on the vehicle as long as it is not moving.

“The NRA thanks Governor Reynolds, pro-gun lawmakers and all NRA members and Second Amendment advocates for their engagement on this critical legislation,” the National Rifle Association said in a statement.

House File 791, an act regarding firearm safety instruction in school districts, passed the House committee on public safety last month in anticipation of a start date next year.

“By July 1, 2026, develop and distribute to all school districts an age-appropriate model program for firearm safety instruction for students enrolled in kindergarten through 12th grade,” the text states.

The program for Iowans sixth grade and younger is to be based on the Eddie Eagle gun safety program developed by the NRA. For those in seventh through 12th grade, the program would be based on the NRA’s hunter education course.

The bill will require public school districts to offer or make available an approved firearm safety instruction course to all students in seventh through 12th grade. They must also make the program available for students attending private schools in their district.

The cost is to be paid by the school district using money from state school foundation aid received into the school’s general fund. “No additional state funding shall be necessary for the full implementation of this act,” the bill states.