Today, Gov. Scott Signed Gun Violence Prevention Legislation that Includes the Creation of a Red Flag Law and Raises Age to Purchase all Firearms to 21
Legislation Was Introduced Following the Tragic School Shooting in Parkland, Florida
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Everytown for Gun Safety and Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown, today applauded the signing of historic gun violence prevention legislation in Florida. The legislation was passed and signed over the objections of the NRA, which for decades has pushed Florida lawmakers to enact some of the most extreme gun laws in the country and to block gun violence prevention policies – until now.
Among other things, the legislation Gov. Scott signed today will establish a Red Flag Law, empowering local law enforcement to petition a court to temporarily remove guns from an individual who displays warning signs for violent behavior. The new law will also raise the legal age to purchase all firearms in Florida to 21 and prohibit the purchase and possession of bump stocks. And, it will close the Charleston Loophole, ensuring that guns are not transferred through licensed gun dealers until the seller passes a background check.
STATEMENT FROM DIANA PERRI HANESKI, SCHOOL LIBRARIAN WHO SURVIVED THE SHOOTING IN PARKLAND:
“A few weeks ago, I hid behind computer carts and paper boxes with my students as they furiously texted their parents to tell them they loved them. No community should ever have to go through what we’ve been through. I’m thankful that our elected leaders have listened to survivors who are demanding change and hopeful that this is just the first of many life-saving steps our state will take.”
STATEMENT FROM JOHN FEINBLATT, PRESIDENT OF EVERYTOWN FOR GUN SAFETY:
“This is big. With the entire country watching, the NRA’s stranglehold over Florida is officially broken.”
STATEMENT FROM SHANNON WATTS, FOUNDER OF MOMS DEMAND ACTION FOR GUN SENSE IN AMERICA:
“Since the Parkland shooting, survivors and the families of those killed and injured – along with concerned parents and students across Florida – have done everything and more that democracy asks of us. They showed up to demand change. And, because of that, something incredible happened: Politicians in Florida actually carried out many of their constituents’ demands and ignored the objections of NRA lobbyists. That’s how our government should work, and this legislation is just the latest proof point that the NRA’s political power is quickly eroding.”
The new law will also establish a controversial program that would allow some school staff to carry guns. The law leaves discretion whether to participate in this program to individual school districts. Moms Demand Action volunteers will go district by district educating stakeholders about the dangers of arming school staff and urging districts not to participate in this program.