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Senate lowers minimum age to carry handguns to 18 after contentious debate
Summary
House File 924 passed the Senate 33–14. The bill lowers the minimum age to obtain a permit to carry to 18 while keeping the permit‑to‑acquire threshold at 21; supporters cited constitutional rights and self‑defense, opponents cited safety data about young adults.
The Iowa Senate on April 7, 2025, passed House File 924 by a roll call of 33 ayes and 14 nays, lowering the minimum age to possess and carry handguns to 18 under specified permitting conditions.
Sponsor remarks and bill scope: Senator Ben Webster (R‑Scott), who floor managed the bill, said the measure changes the minimum age to acquire a carry permit to 18, while the permit to acquire weapons remains 21 and a permit to carry cannot serve as a permit to acquire until the permit holder turns 21. Webster cited a recent appellate ruling and argued that 18‑year‑olds are adults with constitutional rights: “As a father of an 18 year old ... my daughter has the constitutional right to be able to defend herself no different than anybody else.”
Opposition emphasized safety data and risks for youth. Senator Tom Staden (D‑Lehi) argued against lowering the age, citing national data that firearms are a leading cause of death for 18‑ to 20‑year‑olds and increased suicide and homicide rates among that age group. Senator Zimmer (D‑Clinton) described past local incidents in which students’ use or threatened use of firearms led to criminal investigations and expressed concern about access to handguns for those still in high school.
Procedure and next steps: After final remarks and a recorded vote, the bill was declared to have passed with 33 ayes and 14 nays and was immediately messaged by the Senate.
