Overview of the new gun law in Florida
In response to the tragic shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, Governor Rick Scott has signed a new gun law aimed at increasing school safety and preventing future mass shootings. This new law, which has been called the “Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act,” is one of the strictest gun control measures to be implemented in Florida in recent years. Here’s a breakdown of what the new law entails.
Age restrictions for purchasing firearms
Under the new law, the age requirement for purchasing firearms has been raised from 18 to 21 years old. This means that individuals under the age of 21 will no longer be able to purchase firearms, with a few exceptions. For instance, active-duty military members and law enforcement officers are exempt from this age restriction. Additionally, individuals who already own firearms at the time the law goes into effect are not affected by the new age requirement.
This age restriction has been one of the most controversial aspects of the new law. Gun rights advocates argue that it is unconstitutional to deny individuals under the age of 21 the right to purchase firearms. However, others argue that the age restriction is a necessary step to prevent shootings like the one at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.
Waiting periods for gun purchases
Another key provision of the new gun law is the implementation of a three-day waiting period for all firearm purchases. This waiting period is intended to give law enforcement time to conduct background checks on individuals who are attempting to purchase firearms. The waiting period applies to all firearms, including handguns and long guns.
The waiting period has been praised by gun control advocates, who argue that it will help prevent individuals who are at risk of harming themselves or others from obtaining firearms. However, opponents of the waiting period argue that it is an unnecessary infringement on the Second Amendment right to bear arms.
Bump stock ban
The new gun law also includes a ban on bump stocks, which are devices that can be attached to semi-automatic firearms to increase their rate of fire. Bump stocks were used in the Las Vegas shooting in October 2017, which left 58 people dead and hundreds more injured.
Under the new law, it is illegal to sell, buy, or possess bump stocks in Florida. Those who already own bump stocks have 90 days from the enactment of the law to surrender them to law enforcement or destroy them.
School safety measures
One of the primary goals of the new gun law is to increase school safety. To that end, the law includes several provisions aimed at preventing school shootings and protecting students. For example, the law provides $400 million in funding for school safety measures, including the hiring of additional school resource officers and the implementation of mental health programs in schools.
The law also allows for the arming of certain school personnel, such as teachers and coaches, if they undergo extensive training and pass a background check. However, this provision has been controversial, with many arguing that arming teachers is not an effective way to prevent school shootings.
Mental health provisions
The new gun law also includes several provisions related to mental health. For example, the law allows for the involuntary institutionalization of individuals who pose a risk to themselves or others. It also requires that individuals who are committed to mental health facilities be reported to a federal database, which is used to conduct background checks for firearm purchases.
These mental health provisions have been praised by gun control advocates, who argue that they will help prevent individuals with mental illnesses from obtaining firearms. However, opponents of the provisions argue that they could lead to the stigmatization of individuals with mental health conditions.
Penalties for violating the new gun law
The new gun law includes several penalties for individuals who violate its provisions. For example, individuals who sell or transfer firearms to individuals who are under the age of 21 can be charged with a third-degree felony. Additionally, individuals who possess bump stocks can be charged with a third-degree felony.
The penalties for violating the new gun law have been criticized by gun rights advocates, who argue that they are too harsh and that they could lead to individuals being unfairly punished for unintentional violations.
Opposition to the new gun law
The new gun law has faced significant opposition from gun rights advocates, who argue that it is an infringement on the Second Amendment right to bear arms. Some groups have already filed lawsuits challenging the law’s constitutionality.
In addition to legal challenges, there has also been significant pushback from some Florida lawmakers. For example, some legislators have called for the repeal of the age restriction and the waiting period provisions.
Resources for understanding the new gun law
If you’re a gun owner in Florida, it’s important to understand the new gun law and how it affects you. There are several resources available to help you navigate the law’s provisions and stay compliant. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has published a guide to the new law, which is available on their website. Additionally, many local law enforcement agencies are offering informational sessions for gun owners.
Conclusion
The new gun law in Florida is one of the strictest gun control measures to be implemented in the state in recent years. While it has faced significant opposition, supporters argue that it is a necessary step to increase school safety and prevent future mass shootings. As a gun owner in Florida, it’s important to understand the law’s provisions and stay compliant to avoid facing penalties. With the resources available, it’s possible to stay informed and stay within the bounds of the new law.