Local news
Florida gun rights activists had a victorious day in the Capitol as the
Republican-controlled Legislature considered two St. Petersburg
lawmakers' bills, passing one through the Senate and shooting down the
other.
The Senate endorsed a bill allowing lawful gun owners to carry a weapon
while evacuating in an emergency, even if they don't have a concealed
carry permit. Later in the day, a House panel voted down a Democrat's
proposal to set more limits on shooting a gun on residential property.
Only one Republican, state Rep. Chris Latvala of Clearwater, voted
with Democrats in a failed attempt to limit rights to shoot on
residential property.
State Rep. Darryl Rouson, D-St. Petersburg,
filed the bill in response to a St. Petersburg man, Joseph Carannante,
who angered neighbors and others with plans to set up a gun range in his
backyard earlier this year.
Under current law, it's legal to fire
a weapon on residential property, unless it's done "recklessly or
negligently." Rouson argued this language isn't specific enough and said
laws that give the state power to set gun policy make it risky for
local officials to prosecute people in cases like Carannante's. After a
torrent of negative feedback, he dismantled his range in favor of a
membership at a commercial gun range.
Great news, but why that state hasn't managed to legalize open carry, I'll never understand.
ReplyDeleteI agree Kurt. Even in regards to those with a carry permit, the requirement to conceal opens the door to abuse by law enforcement if the firearm is even accidentally exposed.
DeleteFortunately, that isn't a concern where I live. Minnesota doesn't require permit holders to conceal, so its a personal choice.
Snowbirds, Kurt. So many have moved down from states unfriendly to guns that they've brought that aspect of their culture, and a few others, with them.
DeleteThe Senate endorsed a bill allowing lawful gun owners to carry a weapon while evacuating in an emergency, even if they don't have a concealed carry permit.
ReplyDeleteA constitutional carry with diarrhea law. Ok then...