TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, today commended members of the House for passing gun violence prevention legislation in the wake of the tragic school shooting in Parkland. The legislation represents a meaningful step towards saving lives in Florida, where gun violence prevention legislation has been unattainable for decades.
The bill – which is identical to legislation the Senate passed on Monday – would establish a Red Flag Law in Florida. This would empower local law enforcement to petition a court to temporarily remove guns from an individual who displays warning signs for violent behavior like those the Parkland shooter exhibited. The bill also raises the legal age to purchase all firearms in Florida to 21 and prohibits the purchase and possession of bump stocks. And it closes the Charleston Loophole, ensuring that guns are not transferred through licensed gun dealers until the seller passes a background check.
Unfortunately, the bill also includes a provision that allows for the arming of school staff at the discretion of school districts. Volunteers with Moms Demand Action will go district by district educating stakeholders about the dangers of arming school staff and urging districts not to participate in this program.
This legislation is a critical step forward in a state that has failed to pass any meaningful gun violence prevention legislation in recent decades. Everytown and Moms Demand Action urge Gov. Scott to quickly sign this legislation into law.
STATEMENT FROM KATE CUNNINGHAM, VOLUNTEER WITH THE FLORIDA CHAPTER OF MOMS DEMAND ACTION FOR GUN SENSE IN AMERICA:
“Florida lawmakers listened to the overwhelming majority of Floridians who, for decades, have been calling on them to put public safety ahead of the gun lobby’s extremist agenda. This week, the will of the people was heard above the voice of the NRA, proving once and for all that it is possible to pass common sense gun violence prevention laws in Florida. We urge Gov. Scott to sign this life-saving legislation into law without delay. And, when he does, we will go district by district to educate people about the dangers of arming school staff and urge school districts to opt out of that program.”
