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Florida Governor Rick Scott announced a sweeping plan to prevent gun violence after the horrific school shooting on February 14.  The shooter at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland killed 17 students and staff. On Friday, Gov. Scott proposed new gun laws and programs for school safety and mental health. The Florida governor wants to raise the age limit to buy or possess a gun and to prohibit bump stocks. He also wants to prohibit violent individuals or mentally-ill people from purchasing or possessing any firearm or any other weapon. Political observers view the governor’s proposal as a show of defiance to the National Rifle Association (NRA), which rejects raising the age requirement to buy a gun. The NRA has 300,000 members in Florida. Gov. Scott is a member of the organization. He did not consult the powerful gun lobbyist about his proposals.

Gov. Scott: There’s nothing more important than the safety of our children

In his remarks, Gov. Scott said, “This is a time when I believe we must all come together, and even cross party lines. Of course, we won’t all agree on every issue, but I do believe this is a moment when our state can come together around a common sense set of actions.” According to him, they are elected to represent the best interest of Floridians. It is important for them to do everything in their power to “make sure that a horrific and evil act like the Parkland shooting never happens again.” “I’m an NRA member, a supporter of the 2nd amendment, and the 1st amendment, and the entire bill of rights for that matter. I’m also a father, and a grandfather, and a Governor. We all have a difficult task in front of us… balancing our individual rights with our obvious need for public safety,” said Gov. Scott. The Florida governor stressed that an open dialogue is important to achieve their goal of preventing gun violence. He added that they need to be decisive and swift when it comes to protecting kids and schools. Gov. Scott said, “Let me be clear– there is nothing more important than the safety of our children. Our kids deserve nothing less. Fortunately, our economy is booming, and we have the resources to protect our schools and our students.”

Gov. Scott’s proposals on gun laws, school safety, and mental health

The governor wants to make it impossible for any individual with mental problems to use a gun. He proposed the creation of a new program called Violent Threat Restraining Order.  The program will allow a court to prohibit a violent or mentally ill person from purchasing or owning a gun or any other weapon.