FOLLOW US

Florida Governor Rick Scott signed into law a new bipartisan gun control, school safety legislation on Friday. Political observers view governor’s action as a defiance and a significant break with the National Rifle Association (NRA). Gov. Scott is an NRA member with an A-plus rating. Last month, the governor emphasized that he is a supporter of the 2^nd Amendment. However, he emphasized the importance of “balancing our individual rights with our obvious need for public safety.” He called on the state lawmakers to work together and pass a bill based on his major action plan, which included strengthening gun control regulation, improving school safety, and providing funding for mental health services. Earlier this week, the Florida Legislature approved The Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act. The bill was named after the school where 17 people were killed in a shooting on February 14.

Gov. Scott says the bill will improve school safety

On Friday, Gov. Scott said he spent time reading the legislation line by line. He is signing the bill because it will make Florida schools safer. It provides more funding for mental health services. The bill also provides more tools for law enforcement officers to keep guns away from people with mental health problems. According to the governor, “Every student in Florida has the right to learn in a safe environment, and every parent has the right to send their kids to school knowing that they will return safely at the end of the day.” Gov. Scott told Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School students, “You made your voices heard. You didn’t let up. And, you fought until there was change. You helped change our state. You made a difference.” Under the legislation, individuals purchasing a gun must be 21 years old. There is a three-day waiting period to buy any gun to ensure full and complete background checks.  The sale and possession of bump stocks are prohibited. The bill creates “Risk Protection Orders,” which allows a court to prohibit a violent or mentally ill person from buying or possessing a gun. A law enforcement officer can petition a court for a risk protective order to temporarily prevent persons from accessing firearms when they pose significant risk to themselves or others. Additionally, the bill provides $400 million in funding to keep students safe and enhance mental health treatment. Furthermore, it allows a sheriff to create the Coach Aaron Feis Guardian Program, which is 100% voluntary. The guardian program does not allow teachers to carry firearms. However, it provides exceptions for those involved in Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC), current or retired armed service members and current or retired law enforcement officers.