Florida Senate votes to restrict gun sales, arm teachers

TALLAHASSEE — After days of emotional debate, the Florida Senate approved a school safety plan 20-18. The proposal to arm teachers goes to the House for debate later this week. 

The measure puts new restrictions on rifle sales and allows some teachers to carry guns.

Few, if any, senators were completely happy with the legislation that’s a response to the Feb. 14 school shootings in Parkland that left 17 people dead. Many Republicans don’t like the idea of raising the minimum age to buy rifles from 18 to 21 or creating a waiting period to purchase the weapons.

Many Democrats think the bill didn’t go far enough because it doesn’t include a ban on assault-style rifles or large-capacity magazines.

Florida Democratic Party Chair Terrie Rizzo released this statement after SB 7026 passed the Senate Monday evening:

“This is not the legislation the Parkland students fought for — this does not go far enough to protect our students from gun violence. What’s missing is real, comprehensive gun reform​ that will actually keep us safe, including universal background checks, closing the gun show loophole, and banning assault rifles.​ ​While the Garcia amendment may seem like it takes guns out of the classrooms — it ​is still placing more guns in schools by allowing school personnel such as custodians, bus drivers, librarians, counselors, coaches and others​ to carry.”

The Senate amended the bill to put limits on which teachers could participate in a proposed program to carry guns in schools.

Florida’s House has not yet taken up its version of the bill.

More: There are hundreds of new state gun laws since Newtown. Most have expanded access to guns

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More: Walmart bans gun sales to anyone under 21 after Parkland, Florida school shooting

Contributing: The Associated Press

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