Additionally, the bill calls for the establishment of a Commission to investigate system failures in the Parkland school shooting and previous incidents of mass violence.
The bill allows a sheriff to establish a Coach Aaron Feis Guardian Program. School districts will decide whether to participate in the guardian program if it is available in their county. The guardian program is completely voluntary. It is named after Coach Aaron Feis, who died protecting students during the Parkland school shooting.
A guardian must do the following:
- complete 132 hours comprehensive firearm safety and proficiency training
- pass psychological evaluation
- pass drug tests
- complete certified diversity training
Classroom teachers cannot participate in the guardian program. The limitation does not apply to a teacher of Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program, a current service member; and a current or former law enforcement officer.
Furthermore, the legislation makes it difficult for those suffering from mental illness to purchase or possess a gun. It allows a law enforcement officer or agency to petition a court for a risk protective order to temporarily prevent persons from accessing firearms when they pose significant risk to themselves and others.
The Florida state Senate is listening
In a statement, Sen. Bill Galvano (R-Bradenton) said, “We are listening. The Senate hears you and we are taking the appropriate steps to help ensure that a senseless tragedy like this never happens again.”
