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SF 590

Permit to carry pistol age of eligibility to apply at 18 years old establishment

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Rich Draheim and 4 co-sponsors

Lowers Minnesota's minimum age for pistol carry permit applications from 21 to 18 years old, expanding firearm access to young adults.

Referred to Judiciary and Public Safety
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Bill Summary · SF 590

Legislative bill overview

SF 590 would lower the minimum age requirement to apply for a pistol carry permit in Minnesota from 21 years old to 18 years old. The bill appears to align state permitting age requirements with federal law, which allows 18-year-olds to possess firearms in many contexts. This represents a significant change to Minnesota's current permitting framework for handgun carry.

Why is this important

Pistol carry permits determine who can legally carry concealed handguns in public spaces, affecting both public safety policy and individual rights. Lowering the eligibility age would potentially expand the number of young adults able to carry firearms in Minnesota, while supporters argue it corrects an age disparity between federal gun ownership rights and state permitting requirements. This intersects with ongoing national debates about firearm access, youth responsibility, and public safety.

Potential points of contention

  • Public safety concerns: Critics may argue that 18-year-olds have higher rates of impulsive decision-making and involvement in violent crime, raising questions about whether this age group should carry concealed weapons in public
  • Brain development and judgment: Neuroscience research indicates the prefrontal cortex (responsible for impulse control and risk assessment) continues developing into the mid-20s, which some will cite as justification for age restrictions
  • Consistency with other regulations: Questions about why pistol permits should be available at 18 when other firearm-related responsibilities (like purchasing handguns federally) remain restricted to 21+, and why drinking/rental car ages differ

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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