Iowa legislature passed expansions on the state’s gun laws this year, including use by minors.

House File 517 eliminates a minimum age provision for minors to possess a handgun. Prior to April 13 the minimum age for supervised possession of a handgun by a minor was 14. Washington County Sheriff Jared Schneider explains, “A minor can, with parent or guardian approval and supervision, possess a handgun. As long as that parent or guardian providing the direct supervision is not intoxicated or impaired by alcohol or drugs.”

With the minimum age eliminated, this gives parents the opportunity to educate their children on proper safety with a handgun. Schneider says it’s important to always assume that a handgun is loaded, “If your minor child is at a friend’s house and maybe at that household they don’t have their firearms locked up. It’s a good thing to talk with your kid about that situation so they know what to do when they come across that firearm, and don’t have something bad happen in that situation.”

Direct supervision from a parent, guardian, or spouse is required for those under the age of 21 possessing a handgun.