Costa Rica lawmakers propose raising firearm age limit to 25

The Pueblo Soberano party has introduced a legislative proposal in Costa Rica to increase the minimum age for firearm possession and carrying from 18 to 25 years old. The initiative, driven by Deputy Gonzalo Ramírez Zamora as part of a public security package, seeks to amend the Law on Arms and Explosives.

Under the proposed reform, individuals who violate these age requirements could face prison sentences of 4 to 8 years. Penalties would increase to 6 to 10 years if the offender is a public official or if the weapon is used in criminal activities. The reform also aims to limit individuals to carrying a maximum of two magazines, each with a capacity of no more than 17 projectiles.

Additional requirements in the bill include mandatory psychological, theoretical, and practical testing, as well as proof of the legal origin of funds used to purchase and maintain firearms. Exceptions to the age limit would be made for police officers, Judicial Investigation Organization (OIJ) employees, individuals over 18 carrying weapons for work, and those over 14 participating in authorized sport shooting under legal supervision.

The proposal must first be reviewed by the Legislative Assembly’s Security and Narcotrafficking Commission to ensure compatibility with the Constitution and existing laws.