Florida Action Alert! 7 Wins for Gun Owners This Week 3/21-23/2017

Tuesday 3/21/2017:  

SB-1536 (Trespass Issue) was heard in Senate Agriculture Committee and the language we opposed was amended out of the bill.  This bill dealt with agricultural issues but it contained a section dealing the posting of private land that would have had a very negative impact on hunters, campers, hikers, fisherman, boaters, bird watchers, outdoor photographers, etc., who unintentionally trespass on private property.

Wednesday 3/22/2017: 

SB-616 Firearms/Courthouses  by Sen. Greg Steube was heard in the Senate Government Oversight and Accountability Committee and PASSED 4-3.  This bill defines "courthouse" and allows concealed weapons and firearms licenseholders to store their firearms securely at the entrance of a courthouse and pick it up on the way out.

SB-1052 Justifiable Use of Force by Sen. David Simmons was heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee and PASSED 7-2 This is a Glitch Bill to fix a drafting error made by staff in a 2014 bill dealing with the Castle Doctrine law. It's a purely technical bill, but very important.

SB-1330 Firearms on Church Property by Sen. Kelli Stargel was heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee and PASSED 5-3 This bill restores private property rights to churches, synagogues, and other religious institutions so they may allow firearms on church property.

Thursday 3/23/2017:

HB-779 Protection of CW License holders  by Rep. Neil Combee was heard in the House Judiciary Committee and PASSED 12-6This is a bill to protect concealed weapons and firearms license holders from being charged with a crime for the temporary and open exposure of a firearm.

HB-849 Firearms on Church Property by Rep. Neil Combee was heard in the House Judiciary Committee and PASSED 12-6 This bill restores private property rights to churches, synagogues, and other religious institutions so they may allow firearms on church property.

HB-245 Burden of Proof by Rep. Bobby Payne & Rep. Jason Fischer was heard in the House Judiciary Committee and PASSED 12-6 This bill restores the presumption of innocence in self-defense cases by putting the burden of proof BACK ON THE STATE where it belongs.

It was an incredibly busy week and thanks to your email to legislators, a hugely successful week.  Next week already promises to be very busy and your help will be important.

Watch for the next Action Report detailing the conduct of opponents during the House Judiciary Committee on Thursday.