Florida Gov. Scott Breaks with NRA; Signs New Gun Control, School Safety Bill

March 10, 2018

1222

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.