BELLEVUE, WA – The Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms applauds Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds for signing legislation which lowers the minimum age for owning and carrying handguns from 21 to 18.
Passage of the measure, known as House File 924, acknowledges the need for young adults—who have achieved the age of majority in virtually all other aspects—to defend themselves and their families. Credit should go to Republican Rep. Steven Holt for shepherding the bill through the legislative process.
“This is a major victory for young adults in Iowa,” said CCRKBA Managing Director Andrew Gottlieb, “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, in a quote to the Des Moines Register, underscored Gottlieb’s observation. He reminded the newspaper that he graduated from Marine Corps boot camp when he was 18 and carried arms to defend the United States. For such individuals, it is only proper for them to be able to exercise their Second Amendment rights.
“We’re delighted that Gov. Reynolds took this bold move, setting a precedent for her fellow governors to follow,” Gottlieb observed. “It is encouraging to see a state chief executive with this kind of initiative. This is what leadership looks like.
“All good things begin with a first step,” he said, “and Iowa has set a course for others to follow. This is a responsible move by Iowa lawmakers.”