‘Iowa Bill’ Made by Republicans Allows Children to Carry Guns

Among the bills debated was the measure to allow a child of any age to use a pistol or revolver with direct supervision of a parent or guardian.

Opponents, however, said the bills to allow youth greater access to handguns, legalize suppressors and carrying loaded guns on snowmobiles and ATVs, limit government authority to curtail the use of firearms during emergencies and make gun permits secret did not pass the “common sense test” or address Iowans’ priorities of increasing opportunities for education, jobs and economic growth.

Vehicles overtaking bicyclists on roadways without bike lanes would have to give the cyclists plenty of room under a bill that passed the Iowa Senate today.

Current Iowa law means children can pick up shotguns and rifles, under parental supervision, however old they are. Current law in Iowa prevents anyone under the age of 14 from using handguns.

Highfill told the Washington Post that the criticism was unfounded because the bill includes language that requires parental supervision with “visual and verbal contact at all times with the supervised person”.

She added: “We do not need a militia of toddlers”. The alternative, he said, is “turning 18 with no experience”.

Meanwhile, Republican Reps. Matt Windschitl and Jake Highfill were in favor of the bill being passed as Iowa already allows any child of any age to handle a shotgun and long-run barrels.

“Logically, this bill is completely ridiculous”, said Rep. Abby Finkenauer (D). Safety concerns were raised by those against the bill, citing the incident where a 9 year old shot her shooting range instructor in Arizona.

“It’s only risky if you handle it wrong”, Natalie told the news station.

Natalie and Meredith Gibson told KCCI they have been shooting guns with their father since they were five.

Democrat Representative Art Staed said such laws were not about the Second Amendment but about “putting more guns in the hands of children”, while Democrat Mary Mascher noted that “every three hours in this country a child dies from gun violence”.

He said parents should have be able to make decisions for their children.