Firearms in National Forests Bill Passes Florida Legislature – NRA/USF Supported Bill!

DATE:          May 2, 2006
TO:               USF & NRA Members and Friends
FROM:          Marion P. Hammer
                    NRA Past President
                    Executive Director Unified Sportsmen of Florida

A bill supported by the National Rifle Association and Unified Sportsmen of Florida to allow possession of firearms for self-defense and other lawful purposes while in National Forests and State Parks in Florida passed the Florida Legislature today and is on its way to Governor Jeb Bush (R) for his signature.

HB-1029 Sponsored by Representative Dennis Baxley (R-Ocala) in the House and Senator Bill Posey  (R-Rockledge) in the Senate does the following:

1. Repeals the law that bans firearms in National Forests in Florida (s. 790.11, 790.12, 790.14)

2. Directs the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to repeal its rule that bans firearms in State Parks (rule 62D-2.014(10).

3. Requires that all other applicable firearms laws be followed.

4. Requires that a new rule be formulated by DEP that allows firearms in state parks and stipulates that firearms shall at all times be in the possession of a responsible party or properly secured within or to a vehicle or temporary housing, which shall include motor homes, travel trailers, recreational vehicles, campers, tents, or other enclosed structures, while in state parks.

The bill passed the House 90-27 and passed the Senate 31-6

Special thanks go to Senate President Tom Lee (R-Brandon) and House Speaker Allan Bense (R-Panama City) for helping move this legislation.

SENATE (CO-SPONSORS) Senator Carey Baker (R), and Senator Burt Saunders (R)

HOUSE (CO-SPONSORS) Donna Clarke (R); Adam Hasner (R); Alan Hays (R); Paige Kreegel (R); Dwight Stansel (D); Trey Traviesa (R)


THOSE WHO VOTED AGAINST THE BILL IN THE HOUSE:

Representatives Bruce Anton (D), Loranne Ausley (D), Dorothy Bendross-Mindingall (D), Phillip Brutus (D), Susan Bucher (D), Edward Bullard (D), Terry Fields (D), Anne Gannon (D), Dan Gelber (D), Audrey Gibson (D), Ken Gottlieb (D), Wilbert Holloway (D), Arthenia Joyner (D), Charlie Justice (D), Richard Machek (D), Matthew Meadows (D), Frank Peterman (D), Ari Porth (D), Yolly Roberson (D), Tim Ryan (D), Franklin Sands (D), Jack Seiler (D), Irving Slosberg (D), Chris Smith (D),  Eleanor Sobel (D),  Priscilla Taylor (D), Shelly Vana (D)

THOSE WHO VOTED AGAINST THE BILL IN THE SENATE:

Senators Steve Geller (D), Ron Klein (D), Les Miller (D), Gwen Margolis (D), Nan Rich (D), Gary Siplin