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Florida House Bills Allowing Concealed Carry In Schools Pass Judiciary Committee

Two Florida House bills proposing changes to current state standing on concealed weapons and firearms passed through their final committee hearing on Thursday.

HB 4005, which would allow concealed weapons or firearms into any college or university facility with a valid license, received 12 votes in favor of passing the bill and three votes against in the House Judiciary Committee. Three representatives were not present.

The bill previously passed through the Criminal Justice Subcommittee with an 8-4 vote in favor and through the Higher Education and Workforce Subcommittee with an 11-2 vote in favor.

An identical Senate bill, SB 176, has been put to the Senate Judiciary Committee.

HB 19, which would allow designated school district employees or volunteers to carry concealed weapons or firearms, also passed the Judiciary Committee with 12 votes in favor of passing and three votes against.

The bill also passed through the K-12 Subcommittee with a 10-1 vote in favor and through the Appropriations Committee with a 19-9 vote in favor.

An identical Senate bill, SB 180, was temporarily postponed during a Senate Committee on Education Pre-K-12 meeting on Tuesday.

On Friday, WUFT reached out to Rep. Greg Steube, R-Sarasota, who proposed both House bills, and Rep. Dennis Baxley, R-Ocala, who supported the bills. Neither responded before the time of publication.

HB 4005 and HB 19 will now be put to a vote on the House floor before proceeding to the state Senate for approval. If passed, the bills will go into effect on July 1.

Katie is a reporter who can be contacted by calling 352-392-6397 or emailing news@wuft.org.