Iowa legislators advance a bill that would lower the minimum age to buy and carry handguns from 21 to 18, echoing recent court decisions affirming the Second Amendment rights of young adults. Rep. Steven Holt, who sponsors the bill, argues that if 18-year-olds can vote and serve in the military, they should also have the right to protect their families with firearms.
This proposed change intensifies the debate on gun rights and public safety, as critics express concern over the potential risks associated with allowing younger individuals access to handguns. The bill comes as firearm injuries are noted as a leading cause of death among teens, raising questions about the implications for the health and safety of Iowa’s youth.
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