Legislature passed Wednesday night agreeing to arm teachers and other school staff. Raising the age requirement to purchase firearm from 18 to 21 and banning bump stocks
After more than seven hours of debate over gun control, education and race, the House voted 67-50 in favor of the bill, sending it to Gov. Rick Scott.
According to this: After the vote, Andrew Pollack, father of Meadow, 18, who was killed in the attack, applauded the Legislature for approving the bill but pledged to push for more gun control.
“My precious daughter Meadow’s life was taken, and there’s nothing I can do to change that,” Pollack said. “But make no mistake, I’m a father and I’m on a mission.’’
The vote reflected the fierce divide between both major parties over the bill (SB 7026), which also sets up a “guardian” program allowing trained school employees to carry guns in schools.
The plan, optional for sheriff’s offices and school boards, requires employees to volunteer and receive at least 132 hours of firearms training. Volunteers would also undergo psychological testing, a background check and submit to a drug test. Classroom-only teachers would not be allowed to participate unless they have military or law enforcement experience.
Most Democrats voted against the bill, saying it didn’t go far enough in restricting access to guns and arguing the guardian program will place more weapons in schools, increasing the chance of an accidental shooting.
