Des Moines, Iowa (RI) — Republicans on two Iowa House subcommittees have advanced bills that would loosen restrictions on who can buy and carry handguns.
One bill would strike three disqualifying conditions for carrying a gun from state law. As a result, it would allow people addicted to alcohol and people convicted of misdemeanor assault charges to carry a gun. Iowa Firearms Coalition lobbyist Richard Rogers says current law in this area is too subjective.
Connie Ryan, executive director of the Interfaith Alliance of Iowa, testified against the bill.
A separate bill would lower the minimum age to buy and carry a handgun from 21 to 18.
