One step closer to becoming a law!!!
Posted on Tue, Mar. 15, 2011
House subcommittee advances open carry bill
The Associated Press
A bill that would allow weapons to be openly carried in Florida has cleared a House subcommittee.
The Criminal Justice subcommittee on Tuesday voted 10-3 to approve the bill (HB 517).
State Rep. Chris Dorworth is sponsoring the bill. The Lake Mary Republican said the bill's purpose is to prevent charges against people with concealed weapon permits who accidentally show their weapons. He uses the example of wind blowing a person's jacket open.
Law enforcement and retail business groups oppose the bill. A National Rifle Association representative endorsed it.
A Senate committee voted for a companion bill (SB 234) on Monday. That bill had a section allowing guns on college campuses, but it was removed after objections from students, parents and campus police chiefs.
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It would be nice, but I'm not holding my breath for this one. It would be political suicide to vote to turn Florida into the streets of the wild west. The concept of the coat being blown open is valid, but I think we all know where it would lead. Never happen.
It already passed initial vote. Goes to house and senate next week for final vote, then to the gov's desk for signature. Itll be law by the end of next week
Let's hope! Arizona has had an open carry law for many years, making it legal, but most get a concealed carry license as not to stick out when in public. Bottom line, it would be nice to be able to leave the house to go hunt and carry your side arm "open" back and forth to the woods...
