Florida House passes bill that would allow owners to conceal weapons at public events
The Florida House has passed a bill that would allow gun owners to conceal their weapons in public during hurricane evacuations, riots and toxic events.
The bill, HB 209, passed 80-36.
…sheriffs from around the state opposed the bill, calling it “crazy.”
“The bill is crazy, it’s absurd,” said Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri.
Gualtieri and the Florida Sheriffs Association lobbied against the bill, describing it as too vague, pointing out that there is no way to know for how long, or in how large a geographic area, a gun owner might qualify to conceal a weapon after an evacuation order.
Additionally the sheriffs were unhappy with the wording of the bill, particularly the phrase “in lawful possession” of guns, which may not be the same as a lawful gun owner, and could therefore apply to adult children or spouses of gun owners with clean criminal records who are found carrying guns.
Currently, residents in the state must have a concealed carry permit to carry in public without the weapon showing.
Republicans who support the bill said that concerns over the law are overblown.
Florida is home to the controversial “Stand Your Ground” law, one that gives citizens permission to use deadly force if they feel threatened.
Thoughts on this new bill?
Is it a prime example of legislators not caring about what the people want?
Sound off below!