TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Lawmakers in Florida representing the Republican Party have introduced two pieces of legislation aimed at reversing certain gun control regulations established after the tragic 2018 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland.
Despite the solid conservative majority within the state Legislature, these proposals are anticipated to encounter some opposition, particularly in the Senate, where the new president has voiced disapproval of specific gun rights initiatives.
In the aftermath of the 2018 shooting, which resulted in the deaths of 17 individuals and injured several others in Broward County, survivors and victims’ families rallied at the state capitol, advocating for change. Their efforts compelled the Republican-led legislature, which had previously resisted gun control measures, to enact significant legislation shortly after the incident.
This legislation included the introduction of a red flag law allowing for the temporary confiscation of firearms from individuals deemed a risk to themselves or others and an increase in the minimum age for purchasing rifles from 18 to 21. Since these laws were put in place, gun rights advocates have sought to reverse these changes.
State Representative Joel Rudman expressed his eagerness for the state to reclaim its title as the “Gunshine State,” stating that individuals should not be forced to sacrifice their fundamental rights for political assurances of safety. He is sponsoring a bill that would facilitate the open carrying of firearms and eliminate the red flag law.
Additionally, State Senator Randy Fine has proposed legislation aimed at reinstating the ability for those under 21 to purchase rifles. Both legislators are competing in crowded primaries for Congressional seats following the nomination of two Florida representatives to the incoming administration.
While the Florida House has moved to advance bills promoting gun rights in recent years, some proposals have been stalled in the Senate. Recently, Senate President Ben Albritton expressed his lack of support for open carry laws and expressed skepticism towards the repeal of other measures implemented after the Parkland incident.
“I’ve supported law enforcement my entire life… And I stand with them today in opposition,” Albritton remarked, emphasizing his commitment to public safety.