Florida Lawmakers Pass Gun Control Bill

Vanessa Pasos, Reporter

Florida legislators passed a 400-million-dollar gun control bill on Wednesday, March 7. The bill would raise the minimum age of all gun purchases from 18-years-old to 21-years-old, as well as banning bump stocks, create a three day waiting period, fund school security, and expand mental health services and regulations. An addition to the bill’s original action plan proposes for school officials to arm specific school employees, not including full-time teachers. The program, Coach Aaron Feis Guardian Program, is titled after a victim of the Parkland school shooting. The provision has received backlash from the Florida teachers union and students attending Florida schools. Governor Scott has previously expressed his disinterest of arming school teachers.

Gov. Rick Scott has not confirmed to the public whether or not he would sign the bill. Spokesman John Tupps has stated that Scott will be meeting with the families of victims from the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High shooting before he comes to a decision about the bill.