TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The Florida House Criminal Justice Subcommittee passed legislation Tuesday to invalidate local prohibitions against storing guns in cars parked on public school campuses.
- HB 6005 still bars drivers under 18 from keeping guns in their cars
- Pro-Second Amendment Republicans argue bill could help parents respond to school shootings
- Bill would have to pass 2 more committees to reach House floor
The bill, HB 6005, would still bar drivers less than 18 years old from keeping guns in their cars.
Pro-Second Amendment Republicans argue easier access to guns by law-abiding citizens could aid in responding to school shootings. And, they say, parents who regularly store guns in their glove compartments for their own protection would no longer face a double standard.
"Do I go directly there to my child, or do I have to drive somewhere to then safely store my firearm in another location before I can go to assist my child?" Rep. Heather Fitzenhagen (R-Ft. Myers) asked before Tuesday's vote.
But gun control advocates are warning of unintended consequences.
"Think about a high schooler who's been the victim of dating violence and whose older boyfriend shows up to pick her up, has weapons in the trunk. Is that OK?" asked Jamie Ito, a volunteer with Moms Demand Action.
The legislation would have to pass two additional committees to reach the House floor.