In its 2025 session, the Iowa legislature passed a law lowering the age at which residents can own handguns from 21 to 18.

Prior to the change, Iowa was one of 12 states which had an age requirement over 18 for handgun ownership.

The law change is one of many in recent years that has loosened restrictions on firearm ownership, including the introduction of the state’s “constitutional carry” law in 2021, which removed the requirement for permits to carry firearms openly or concealed for those who can legally own them.

Washington County Sheriff Jared Schneider says that teaching children how to be responsible around firearms will have the biggest impact on safety, “I think starting young and teaching responsible gun handling and gun ownership, if we do that, it will help those individuals.”

The law will go into effect on July 1.

To hear more from Schneider about firearm ownership and safety, tune in to Tuesday’s In Touch With Southeast Iowa program.