Tallahassee, FL -(AmmoLand.com)- IN THE HOUSE: HB-163, Open Carry by Rep. Matt Gaetz was heard in the House Judiciary Committee and PASSED by a Vote of 12-4.
All Republicans and one Democrat voted in favor of the bill. It was a 2 1/2 hour hearing during which opponents of the bill, primarily the Florida Sheriffs Association, tried unsuccessfully to gut the bill.
HB-163 is a bill to allow persons with a Concealed Weapons & Firearms License to carry firearms concealed or openly which will prevent CW license holders from being charged with the crime of violating the “Open Carry” law because a concealed firearm, being legally carried, accidentally or inadvertently becomes visible to the sight of another person.
The amendment — to gut the bill — proposed by the Florida Sheriffs Association was defeated soundly defeated.
Rep. Matt Gaetz, a skilled Second Amendment leader, carried the day on open carry and the bill now moves to the floor of the Florida House.
IN THE SENATE:
Final Passage of three important bills today on the Senate Floor. All three bills now go to the House.
HB-344 Stand Your Ground/Burden of Proof by Sen. Rob Bradley PASSED THE SENATE 24-12
SB-344 restores the Stand Your Ground law to the original intent of the Legislature by putting the burden of proof BACK ON THE STATE where it belongs.
Through court action, prosecutors and courts have reversed the self-defense law that gives immunity from arrest, detaining in custody, charging and prosecuting until and unless an investigation reveals there is probable cause to believe the act was not lawful self-defense. They created a special “Stand Your Ground” that forces the victim to prove innocence rather than the state prove guilt. This bill stops that.
SB-130 Unlawful Discharge by Sen. Garrett Richter PASSED THE SENATE 37-0.
SB-130 is clarifying language that adds a subsection (4) to existing law to prohibit the recreational discharge of firearms in residential neighborhoods that have a density of one or more dwellings per acre.
It specifically exempts recreational discharge if “under the circumstances, the discharge does not pose a reasonably foreseeable risk to life, safety, or property.”
SB-228 Mandatory Minimum Sentences by Sen. Aaron Bean PASSED THE SENATE 38-0
This bill removes aggravated assault from the 10-20-Life Mandatory Minimum Sentences.
Prosecutors have been wrongfully using 10-20-Life to prosecute people who are exercising self-defense. This bill stops prosecutors from trying to put people in prison for 10 years if they show a gun to scare off an attacker or 20 years for firing a warning shot.
YOUR EMAIL TO LEGISLATORS ON THIS ISSUES IS A HUGE HELP. THANK YOU FOR HELPING PROTECT SECOND AMENDMENT AND SELF-DEFENSE RIGHTS.
About Unified Sportsmen of Florida (USF):
Unified Sportsmen of Florida is a 501(c)(4) Nonprofit Organization dedicated to protecting Second Amendment rights but under IRS Rules, contributions to USF are not deductible for tax purposes.
For more information, visit: www.scgaa.org/usf.pdf.
Marion P. Hammer is a past president of the National Rifle Association and current executive director of Unified Sportsmen of Florida.
lolpasco: this is exactly what happens in the Dayton Ohio area. People go to the supermarket with ARs or AKs strapped to their backs. That is just plain stupid. Why would someone want to scare people for no good reason. I’m sure there may be some reason to carry a rifle but grocery shopping sure isn’t one of them.
open is ok if you don’t have ass holes walking with ak47 or something like that if your going to be a ass you should get stopped buy a smart cop and they should have a law where you have to show your id and cwp
Stormtown, I agree the average policeman is probably worst than the average ccw civilian when it comes to weapons maintenance, and practice. I served 20 years in the military, Military Police and Military Intelligence fields, during which I met and worked with police units world wide. All were the same when it came to weapons, exception being those in a combat situation, little ongoing training. A lot of these cops never took their weapons out of the holster except at the range. Because a person carries a weapon, does not me him/her an expert about or with that weapon. Here… Read more »
@Maligator2459: That has to be one of the most even tempered, cool responses I have ever heard. Thank you for your time in service to protect the citizens, and I hope a LOT of other officers feel the same. Stay safe out there.
Imprint laws are unconstitutional , no where does it say to hide your rights or property.
the intent of the open carry law is to help those of us who may accidentally show a handle or even a buldge or imprint of the weapon through our clothing. Don’t know why the legislators couldn’t specify that in the Bill. Any dummy who straps on for show, deserves the beating a few bad actors will deal him as they steal that piece from him. I think that is what the Sheriff’s Offices is worried about. And, I think that part will be remedied as it works it’s way to Scott. It’s way better to keep the bad guys… Read more »
I have never understood the cc law, as it would seem that a license to carry concealed would be required as opposed to open carry. These new laws are good in that they actually give us more freedom instead of less as laws usually do.
Why should anyone be asked for a permit at anytime. It’s your second amendment right to keep and bare arms.
The only time anyone should need to know is if your accused of committing a crime. Other then that your first amendment right to privacy should stand without being violated.
My S.I.L. is a law enforcement officer. He and my son were ‘out back’ on my property trying out SIL’s new Glock 9mm.
At ten yards, neither of them were hitting a 6″ target!
They both were complaining of “bad sights”, “needs to go to a gunsmith to fix it”, etc.
I asked to try. Put two rounds in the middle of the paper plate, handed it back, and said “Nice weapon!”.
They cussed me all the way back to the barn!
L
Aaron !!!! Thank you for that. I think the response to the original comment was warranted. I also think it was awesome of you to bring up the recent conflicts we have fought since 9/11 and Prior. I am a mid thirties retired Army E-5 and I served with pride. I think one thing we should try and do is provide some real Legal Sanctions for those who misrepresent being a veteran, let alone serving during conflict. As for the open carry I think as many have mentioned this will shield those who inadvertently expose a concealed weapon. I carry… Read more »
I have a CWP, have had it for years and wonder why anyone would give up the element of surprise to open carry.
We have open carry in my state. Personally I think ones totally wrong in desireing to carry open is very misguided. It doesn’t detour anybody from a violent act if they are armed. It just makes you their first target. Its not going to happen like who is the fastest. The open carry is going to be popped in the back of the head. Just a fact. Any half smart criminal is going to scan the place for his most serious threats. Guess what? Your first.
Protection of accidental exposure of a concealed weapon has been law in Florida since 2011..
Florida Senate Bill O234 CS/CS/SB 234: Firearms
This is real deal open carry, if and when it makes its way to the guber torial pen.. lol.
just sayin’, some posters think it is an accidental exposure protection law..
Do what you may boys and girls, your right, your choice. But as for me and tactical advantage, i will stay concealed..
When does the law comes into effect ??
Michael Bosso…When you go to Federal Marshal school the first class will be how to spell Marshal. There is a still photo from the tv show “Gunsmoke” where it was spelled wrong.
I’ve been around firearms most my life, and I know that most civilians don’t know how to defend the firearm in a hand to hand combat, all of us responsible n conciese about the big responsibility that comes with a firearms pray everyday that we never will have to use deadly force, I don’t want that in my conscience, but I won’t hesitate to if me or fam is at immediate seriously danger, but I do advocate for open carry not to look like JW but to not to be harassed if my piece shows by mistake
good! Now if sh*t hits the fan it will be easy for me to get a gun. lol Why bother buying one when so many 1/2 trained solider of fortune types are out there. I will have a gun at my disposal when needed. HAHA USMC Trained, semper fi
Why is this an issue at all? 2nd amendment and article VI
Maligator2459 – I agree I won’t be open carrying but appreciate the right to do so. I would also hope that if I inadvertently expose my concealed carry firearm some anti-gun person won’t lose their mind and call the cops. Stormtown – Wish the anti-gun folks could understand the police are not sharpshooters. I’ve been around LEOs at some shooting events and they were no better or worse than I am as a civilian who simply tries to shoot at least once a month. I’m sure the SWAT guys get a lot more trigger time and are much better. The… Read more »
Someone posted earlier about being a 20 year law enforcement veteran. I completely agree with you that private citizens need to have a regular training and practice. But what most people don’t realize is that the average Law Enforcement Officer across the United States only qualifies with their weapon once a year, and It is left up to them to train more. In the early and mid 90s I worked as a civilian police tactics/weapons trainer with the Broward sheriffs office, working with Joe Hess. Specifically training gang units, drug units, and SWAT units. On advanced police tactics, hand to… Read more »
I have a CWP and will probably continue to carry concealed,but that is just my preference.I have been in states that have open carry and have noticed one open carry.We were at a restaurant in Maggie Valley and no one paid him any attention. I know he was not a cop as I struck up a conversion with him. He said he had never been harassed. I felt very at ease sitting next to him.Just my two cents worth Thanks
Davis B Crader Not defending 5 War Vet’s opinions but as for his name, You are missing quite a few military actions that could be defined as war, most notably Afghanistan. Other conflicts in which he might have been involved include, Camaroon, Kosovo, ISIS, Somalia, and many others.
Seems it would have been much simpler to carry concealed and have one of those sticky nametags on the front and back of your shirt that sais “I carry a gun”
Has not been made a law yet. Please read the bill so you don’t mess up and get arrested. YOU NEED YOUR CWP. If the cops get called, show them your permit and comply, you will be fine as long as your legal. HB-163 is a bill to allow persons with a Concealed Weapons & Firearms License to carry firearms concealed or openly which will prevent CW license holders from being charged with the crime of violating the “Open Carry” law because a concealed firearm, being legally carried, accidentally or inadvertently becomes visible to the sight of another person… Look… Read more »
Amen Colonial Girl
The problem is with people moving to Florida from states that have been brainwashed by anti gun laws.
DID ANY OF YOU ACTUALLY READ THE ARTICLE … READ THIS AND COMPREHEND…
HB-163 is a bill to allow persons with a Concealed Weapons & Firearms License to carry firearms concealed or openly which will prevent CW license holders from being charged with the crime of violating the “Open Carry” law because a concealed firearm, being legally carried, accidentally or inadvertently becomes visible to the sight of another person.
5 war vet, I do not know where you got your twisted mind but I can tell you for sure it was not from the military,which I highly doubt you ever served.
USAF 1960-1983
I think when every black male 21 and over gets a permit and starts walking around Walmart with a gun that attitudes will change. It sounds like you want to be on an episode of Gunsmoke…this isn’t Dodge City and you will be calling police on “innocent” citizens when you are surrounded by guns in Carmike cinema.
Gena, it’s not too likely every 21 year old and over black will ever get a permit. A huge percentage of them are felons and not allowed to even touch a gun.
I was a public safety employee for over 25 years with military experience as an MP. With that said, I moved from Florida to Tennessee recently. TN is an “open carry” state. In short most people (Hell almost all) carry concealed. They can carry open, but most don’t. The major crime rates are lower than non-open carry states in the south. I think I’ve seen less than five people carry open…but it’s that knowledge that most carry that would caution most of commiting a violent crime. Have a nice day!
I am so glad we have congressmans will still stand up for our rights the world is getting crazy and every day they try and change or take our rights that our ancestors give up there lives for to protect freedom we lose love ones everyday still protecting our rights and the freedom that we still have today and it’s our own country trying to change and steal our freedom and rights thanks for the congressmen that have enough back bone to fight for us the people
One small step forward for Floridians…..lets hope it doesn’t get tied up for years to “iron out” the bill
I see big $$$.
Big pay day.
When an honest Law Biding Citizen is wrongfully accused.
By ones who get paranoid, not minding their own business.
Florida Sheriff’s and Grady Judd have become full on (BY DEFINITION) law breaking terrorist organizations and must be stopped. When PCSO goes after Veterans and starts ripping them from their homes screaming that’s assault when no assault took place, this is terrorism at it most easily identifiable. THEY MUST BE STOPPED!!!
Obviously we know who the nobodies are in this forum,pay them no mind….
I’m glad to see that this is getting so much support.
Interesting read the other day Department of justice survey with incarcerated criminals telling that they have far less fear of committing a crime against a police officer than an armed citizen.
Being a law enforcement officer for over 20 years, I have mixed emotions about open carry. However, if a legal gun carrying citizens wishes to carry openly in stead of concealed, and not keeping the element of surprise, then I guess that’s up to them. I think personally that I would like to keep them guessing whether or not I am armed. Besides, we all know that there are those John Wayne types that just wanna look cool carrying a gun on their hip. Also, if you’re going to carry concealed or openly, then you need to train frequently! Please… Read more »
You are so wrong on the fracking thing.. I work in the industry and it doesn’t hurt the environment dumbass do your homework before shooting off your mouth … I’m gonna let them frac on my property
The Sheriffs must have some good reasons for opposing this language change legislation. I respect them and their motives (protecting us) so I wonder what their objections are about.
I think it great but cop will still be harassing you.if not in uniform. That why I going to school to be a federal Marshall so I can tote my everywhere.
Florida Sheriffs Association huh? No donations for those suits.
5War Vet, have you lost your marbles or are one short of a six pack, or do you need a screwdriver for your lose screws?
It looks as tho it will be moving to the house.
Ray t they do have a CWP medallion that you can wear around your neck for proof and must have CWP to buy one
Ray T, the law you are referring to wasn’t clear enough as several CCW permit holders have still been arrested for accidental presentations due to the amount of time the presentation occurred.
So, if the bill was is passed, it allows CWP permitted persons to openly carry. Wonder if they have come up with any type of identification for display, or method of display so these law abiding citizens can be observed and not have the Police called on them, and if the Police are called, there is an easy way to identify those that are allowed. Also, it was already not illegal if the gun accidentally or inadvertently was exposed. That rule was changed years ago.
Don, That was a House committee that developed the bill and now it goes to the floor of the house for the whole house to vote on. If passed it goes to the Florida Senate which will pick apart and add to it then vote and if passed it goes to the Governor to sign. If any changes were made at Senate it goes back to the House for a vote to accept. it will go back and forth till it is accepted by both House and Senate then signed by Governor.
Colonialgirl…..Go back to the Ruger Forum you nasty , vile , lesbo skank . That’s right , some over there have figured it out ,what with you dropping hints about your “partner Ashley” . In one thread you actually refered to her as your” spouse Ashley” . Nothing nastier than a 70 odd year old lesbo….yuk
Five War Veteran??? What 5 wars WERE those??? Counting backwards that would mean you served in the Iraq War, the Gulf War, Viet Nam, Korea, and WW II… so you’re claiming you served in the army for 60 years or more???
5WarVeteran you sound like a total moron and in ALL “5” wars you were probably serving here in the USA as a KP pot scrubber and nothing else because you certainly LACK the brains for any frontline or leadership position.
NOW how about you move BACK to New York City or Chicago where you came from and STFU because your idiocy pollutes these pages.
US ARMY 1966-1969
US NAVY Brat from Birth
Good, Floridians need to be able to carry. Because the recent legalization of FRACKING in Florida will destroy the lands into a toxic waste and they need to be armed to hunt down the wealthy criminals and their lackeys….