KDSN RADIO News
Rep. Steve Holt of Denison Pushes for Lowering Minimum Age to Carry Handguns in Iowa
Des Moines — Republican Representative Steve Holt of Denison discussed his support for a bill that would lower the legal age to possess a handgun to 18. Under the current law, individuals without a professional permit must be at least 21 years old to own a handgun.
Holt, who represents Crawford County and parts of Carroll and Shelby Counties in the Iowa House, championed the bill by arguing that it upholds both the U.S. Constitution's Second Amendment and the recently passed amendment to Iowa’s own state constitution, which guarantees the right to keep and bear arms. “Our constitutions are designed to limit government power, not restrict the rights of citizens,” Holt stated. “This bill is about honoring the rights of young adults and reducing government interference.”
The proposal follows a recent federal court ruling that struck down Minnesota's law, which prohibited 18- to 20-year-olds from owning handguns. Holt pointed to this decision, asserting that courts have recognized young adults as equally entitled to firearm ownership as older citizens.
“The notion that 18 to 20-year-olds are too immature to own a handgun is being challenged in the courts,” Holt explained. “This legislation is a reflection of that shift, affirming the right of young adults to keep and bear arms.”
The bill passed with significant support in the House, securing a 79 to 18 vote. However, not all lawmakers are in favor of the measure. Representative Lindsay James, a Democrat from Dubuque, expressed concerns over the impact of gun violence, citing statistics that show firearms as the second leading cause of death among children and teens in Iowa.
Despite these concerns, Holt emphasized that the bill does not permit 18, 19, and 20-year-olds to purchase handguns from federally-licensed dealers. This is due to the limitations of the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), which has not yet adapted to a 2022 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that expanded gun rights.
“This bill balances the rights of young adults with the current constraints of federal background check systems,” Holt noted.
The measure now heads to the Iowa Senate for further review.
