Iowa lawmakers are working to align state law with federal and constitutional standards by allowing 18-, 19-, and 20-year-old Iowans to legally possess and carry handguns. Sen. Jason Schultz (R-Schleswig) says the move comes after a recent federal court ruling and years of legislative efforts to expand firearm rights. A recent 8th Circuit Court of Appeals decision declared Minnesota’s age restriction on handgun possession unconstitutional. Iowa, which falls under the same judicial circuit, could now face legal challenges if it continues to restrict lawful handgun possession for adults under 21. Schultz warned that the state would likely lose such lawsuits—and be responsible for the plaintiff’s legal fees. Current Iowa law criminalizes making a handgun available to anyone under 21 but does not prohibit possession. This creates a loophole allowing non-resident young adults to carry lawfully in Iowa while resident Iowans cannot. Legislators are proposing a provisional carry permit for 18- to 20-year-olds to address concerns around permit reciprocity. The Iowa Firearms Coalition is supporting the effort. Schultz says the change would make Iowa’s gun laws consistent with constitutional protections and common practice nationwide. The law goes into effect July 1, 2025. Schultz is scheduled to join District 11 Rep. Craig Williams (R-Manning) on Saturday, April 26, at 10 a.m. in the Cretsinger Building in Coon Rapids for the final Carroll Chamber of Commerce/Carroll County Growth Partnership (CCGP) Legislative Forum of the 2025 session.
