Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has signed into law House File 924, a bill that lowers the minimum age for owning and carrying handguns in the state from 21 to 18. The move has been applauded by the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms (CCRKBA), who hailed it as a significant victory for young adults in Iowa.
The legislation acknowledges that 18- to 20-year-olds, who are considered adults in nearly all other legal contexts, should also have the right to defend themselves and their families. Republican Representative Steven Holt is being credited for his efforts in guiding the bill through the Iowa legislature.
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Andrew Gottlieb, Managing Director of the CCRKBA, stated, “This is a major victory for young adults in Iowa, and it could have a future ripple effect which other states can follow. It recognizes that citizens in the 18-to-20-year age group should have full rights, since they can already enlist in the military, get married, start businesses, run for office, sign contracts, buy homes and vote. Why shouldn’t young adults be able to own and carry a sidearm for personal protection?”
Rep. Holt echoed this sentiment in comments to the Des Moines Register, recalling his own experience of graduating from Marine Corps boot camp at 18 and carrying arms in service to the nation. He emphasized that it is only fitting for these individuals to be able to exercise their Second Amendment rights.
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Gottlieb further praised Governor Reynolds for her decision, saying, “We’re delighted that Gov. Reynolds took this bold move, setting a precedent for her fellow governors to follow. It is encouraging to see a state chief executive with this kind of initiative. This is what leadership looks like.”
He concluded by stating, “All good things begin with a first step, and Iowa has set a course for others to follow. This is a responsible move by Iowa lawmakers.”
The signing of House File 924 marks a notable change in Iowa’s gun laws and is expected to spark further debate and discussion in other states regarding the age restrictions on firearm ownership.
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