US EditionFlorida House votes to repeal key provision of Parkland law and lower age to buy assault-style rifle
- On Wednesday, the Florida House passed House Bill 759 by a 78-34 vote, which would lower the minimum age to purchase rifles and other long guns from 21 to 18.
- The bill is a response to the 2018 law that increased the minimum age for gun purchases to 21 following the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, where 17 people were killed.
- Sponsored by Rep. Michelle Salzman , HB 759 is supported by Republicans who argue that 18-year-olds should have the right to defend themselves and that denying them the ability to own a gun infringes upon their constitutional rights, as they are old enough to vote, serve in the military, and become police officers.
- Opponents, including Democrats like Rep. Dan Daley and family members of Parkland victims such as Debra Hixon, whose husband Chris was killed in the shooting, argue that lowering the age would disregard the promise made to the families after the tragedy and reopen painful wounds, with Hixon stating her job is to ensure students are safe.
- While a similar Senate bill , filed by Sen. Jay Collins, exists, its future is uncertain, and if signed into law, House Bill 759 would take effect on July 1, 2025; furthermore, former Governor Rick Scott, who signed the original law, opposes revisiting the issue.
14 Articles
14 Articles
Gun change teed up in House, on hold in Senate
TALLAHASSEE — A controversial proposal to repeal a law that prevents people under age 21 from buying rifles and shotguns in Florida is positioned to go to the full Florida House of Representatives, but the issue remains on hold in…
Sun-Sentinel
Orlando SentinelFlorida House OKs repealing gun-age law
TALLAHASSEE — In an issue rooted in the 2018 mass shooting at Parkland’s Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, the Florida House on Wednesday approved repealing a law that prevents people under age 21 from buying rifles and other long guns. The Republican-controlled House voted 78-34 to pass the bill (HB 759), though it remains unclear whether the Senate will take up the issue. The House passed repeal bills in 2023 and 2024, but they did not get…
Florida House approves repealing law blocking people under 21 from buying rifles
In an issue rooted in the 2018 mass shooting at Parkland’s Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, the Florida House on Wednesday approved repealing a law that prevents people under age 21 from buying rifles and other long guns.
Florida Phoenix
The Miami TimesFlorida House again passes measure restoring the rights of 18-year-olds to purchase long guns
The Florida House has voted to repeal a ban on gun purchased by people under 21 years of age. (Getty file photo)For the third year in a row, the Florida House has passed a bill (HB 759) that would lower the age for individuals in Florida to purchase shotguns and rifles from 21 to 18. The final tally was 78-34. The Florida Legislature and then Gov. Rick Scott raised the age for purchasing rifles, shotguns, and other long guns in 2018 as part of t…
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