Legislative Update
The 2014 legislative session is shaping up to be heavy on pro-gun legislation. Below I have cited to a few of the important bills now working their way through various committees. I urge you to call you state representatives and urge them to support these measures.
1. SB-296 Concealed Carry During Mandatory Evacuation–Provides an exemption from criminal penalties for carrying a concealed weapon or a concealed firearm when complying with a mandatory evacuation order during a declared state of emergency. Restores the right to protect yourself and your family during an emergency, mandatory evacuation.
2. SB-1060 Zero Tolerance School Policies—Some have labeled this the “Pop Tart” Bill because it prohibits school officials from suspending or punishing innocent children for simulating firearms or weapons with fingers, pencils, or pastries while playing, or possessing photographs of or wearing t-shirts depicting firearms or weapons. It is a sad state of affairs in society that we need a bill forcing school officials to have to exercise a little common sense.
The Zero Tolerance school policies did not happen by accident. Totalitarians throughout history have focused on children as a means of advancing social policy. If children are taught to fear guns as something evil and that they will receive punishment for having or talking about them, then as adults it is hoped that they will abandon the right guaranteed by the Second Amendment.
3. SB-448 Threatened Use of Force –The intent of this bill is to stop abusive prosecutors from using 10-20-LIFE to prosecute people who in acts of self-defense, threaten to use deadly force against an attacker as a means to stop an attack. Prosecutorial abuse is a clear and present danger to constitutional liberties, the passage of this bill should prevent law abiding gun owners from facing unnecessary threats of prison in lieu of accepting a plea.
4. HB-255 Discrimination by Insurance Companies– This bill is intended to stop insurance companies from discriminating against policy holders who own firearms and ammunition.
Another important gun issue to be debated this session is the Stand Your Ground law. Stay tuned to Florida Gun Lawyer for updates on gun related legislation.