Read the Beforeitsnews.com story here. Advertise at Before It's News here.
Profile image
Story Views
Now:
Last hour:
Last 24 hours:
Total:

Florida open carry bill fights through committee, heads to floor

% of readers think this story is Fact. Add your two cents.


State Rep. Matt Gaetz helped shepherd his open carry bill past four proposed amendments and over two hours of hearings Thursday. (Photo: Steve Cannon/AP)

Despite vehement opposition from Democrats and static from law enforcement lobby groups, a measure to bring open carry to the Sunshine State is on its way to the House floor.

The proposal, introduced last September, had no problem with passage by the House Criminal Justice Committee in October but had to claw through the Justice Appropriations Subcommittee the following month, in the end passing by a 7-6 vote. This paved the way for a contentious hearing that ran over two hours on Thursday in the House Judiciary Committee before the bill carried the day in a 12-4 vote, which included one Democrat, on its last stop before heading to the lawmakers of the body as a whole.

“I want to vindicate a right for open carry,” said sponsor Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fort Walton Beach.

Gaetz’s legislation, HB 163, would allow the state’s 1.4 million concealed carry permit holders to openly carry a firearm. Despite some of the most pro-gun laws in the country, Florida is but one of five states in the nation to prohibit the open carry of firearms altogether.

Law enforcement lobby groups, to include the Florida Sheriffs Association, have opposed the measure but after negotiating with the Florida Police Chiefs Association, it passed commitee after a provision to mandate handguns openly carried are contained in a holster. An amendment backed by the FSA to gut the bill and allow only for accidental firearms exposures by those carrying concealed was defeated.

Some contend open carry would have a negative effect on tourism in the state, home to numerous beach getaways and amusement parks.

“One hundred million tourists visit Florida each year,” said the League of Women Voters’ Patricia Brigham. “What will the economic impact be when visitors see men and women walking down International Drive in Orlando or along Tampa’s Riverwalk with guns in their hands or their waistbands? Is this the kind of message that we want to send to our visitors — that people aren’t safe without exhibiting firearms in our state?”

Gun rights advocates in the state argued the bill is needed to avoid past incidents where those with permits faced charges from law enforcement after their handgun became inadvertently visible.

“Today’s vote on the open carry bill was a big victory for gunowners,” Marion Hammer, executive director of the Unified Sportsmen of Florida and past president of the National Rifle Association, told Guns.com. “Rep. Matt Gaetz, the sponsor of the House bill, has put together a strong coalition of supporters who carried the day.”

The bill now heads to the House floor where, given a strong GOP majority it is expected to pass. The companion Senate version is slated for consideration by that chamber’s Judiciary committee in coming days.

Should it pass and head to Gov. Scott for signature, Florida will become the 46th state to have a provision for open carry.

The post Florida open carry bill fights through committee, heads to floor appeared first on Guns.com.


Source: http://www.guns.com/2016/01/29/florida-open-carry-bill-fights-through-committee-heads-to-floor/


Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world.

Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.

"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.

Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world. Anyone can join. Anyone can contribute. Anyone can become informed about their world. "United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.


LION'S MANE PRODUCT


Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules


Mushrooms are having a moment. One fabulous fungus in particular, lion’s mane, may help improve memory, depression and anxiety symptoms. They are also an excellent source of nutrients that show promise as a therapy for dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases. If you’re living with anxiety or depression, you may be curious about all the therapy options out there — including the natural ones.Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend has been formulated to utilize the potency of Lion’s mane but also include the benefits of four other Highly Beneficial Mushrooms. Synergistically, they work together to Build your health through improving cognitive function and immunity regardless of your age. Our Nootropic not only improves your Cognitive Function and Activates your Immune System, but it benefits growth of Essential Gut Flora, further enhancing your Vitality.



Our Formula includes: Lion’s Mane Mushrooms which Increase Brain Power through nerve growth, lessen anxiety, reduce depression, and improve concentration. Its an excellent adaptogen, promotes sleep and improves immunity. Shiitake Mushrooms which Fight cancer cells and infectious disease, boost the immune system, promotes brain function, and serves as a source of B vitamins. Maitake Mushrooms which regulate blood sugar levels of diabetics, reduce hypertension and boosts the immune system. Reishi Mushrooms which Fight inflammation, liver disease, fatigue, tumor growth and cancer. They Improve skin disorders and soothes digestive problems, stomach ulcers and leaky gut syndrome. Chaga Mushrooms which have anti-aging effects, boost immune function, improve stamina and athletic performance, even act as a natural aphrodisiac, fighting diabetes and improving liver function. Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules Today. Be 100% Satisfied or Receive a Full Money Back Guarantee. Order Yours Today by Following This Link.


Report abuse

    Comments

    Your Comments
    Question   Razz  Sad   Evil  Exclaim  Smile  Redface  Biggrin  Surprised  Eek   Confused   Cool  LOL   Mad   Twisted  Rolleyes   Wink  Idea  Arrow  Neutral  Cry   Mr. Green

    MOST RECENT
    Load more ...

    SignUp

    Login

    Newsletter

    Email this story
    Email this story

    If you really want to ban this commenter, please write down the reason:

    If you really want to disable all recommended stories, click on OK button. After that, you will be redirect to your options page.