The Quad-City Times, March 2025
Legislation that would lower Iowa’s minimum age to purchase a handgun from 21 to 18 advanced out of the House Judiciary Committee Thursday. Lawmakers voted 17-4 to move House Study Bill 280 forward. Currently, 18-year-olds can purchase long guns in Iowa. There are also occupation-based exceptions for those ages 18 to 20.
Critics of the legislation argue lowing the age requirement could increase gun violence and suicides among young adults. Supporters of the bill say current law infringes on Second Amendment rights, pointing to federal court decisions that have struck down age-based firearm restrictions.
