Open carry bills advance in FL legislature

By Richard Nascak

"Florida Senate Bill 234 and companion House Bill 517 both advanced in their respective criminal justice committees this week. The bills major provision is the authorization for licensed concealed carriers to carry openly at their option. When first introduced, both bills contained a provision that would have lifted the prohibition against carry on college campuses by licensed carriers. However, that provision was stripped from the bills as a result of overwhelming objection in the light of the off-campus negligent homicide of Florida State University student Ashley Cowie, whose father tearfully testified in front of the Senate committee last month. Despite the fact that the tragic incident had no relationship to the bills' campus carry element, the emotional impact was insurmountable. Rather than sacrifice both bills entirely, the campus carry provision was removed."

"The Senate Committee on Criminal Justice heard testimony on the bill from a number of presenters, including a representative of the Florida Sheriffs Association. The FSA had originally offered support for SB 234 in exchange for the inclusion of a number of burdensome requirements on licensed carriers before they would be allowed to carry openly. Those provisions were use of a level-2 retention holster, proof of attending firearm retention training, and public display of the carry license in proximity to the firearm. The bill's sponsor, Senator Greg Evers, filed an amendment containing those requirements, but soon nullified it upon learning that the FSA would not support the bill regardless. Never mind the fact that level-2 retention holsters are not available for all firearms, retention training is generally only available to police and military, and public display of one's license would expose private information for all to see. ..."

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