Florida's Controversial Gun Bills Clear House

TALLAHASSEE, FL — Florida concealed weapons license holders hoping to be able to pack heat in the open or on college campuses won victories Wednesday in the Florida House.

Two pieces of legislation, meant to make it legal for permit holders to carry weapons on college campuses and to carry them out in the open in general, received the House’s approval after several hours of debate.

The open carry bill passed the house with 80 votes in favor and 38 against. The measure has received mixed opinions from Tampa Bay area residents. As for the campus carry bill, it received 80 votes in favor and 37 against.

See Also:

• Bill To Allow Guns On College Campuses Moves Forward
• Tampa Bay Split On Open Carry Proposal
• Concealed Weapons Permits: Florida Tops 1.4 Million

The victories, however, may be short lived. Similar measures being considered in the Senate are not faring as well.

Senate Judiciary Committee chairman Sen. Miguel Diaz de la Portilla, R-Miami, has already said he will not grant a hearing on the campus carry bill, the Sun Sentinel reported. As for the open carry legislation, he and others in the Senate have expressed their favor for an amendment that would simply protect legal concealed weapons license holders if their firearms are accidentally exposed.

Florida has more than 1.4 million concealed weapons license holders.

What do you think should happen with the two bills? Share your opinions by commenting below!

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