Before one passes judgement on the Florida Gun Law let’s carefully review each piece and see whether it will be helpful. We understand that in order to pass legislation as a whole some of the pieces might be far from perfect but those parts shouldn’t damage our constitutional rights as well. I tried to provide a bit of a “rebel” perspective on this issue that I hope will open up a deeper discussion.
(1) Raise the age to purchase a firearm to 21 from 18- Should we make such a blanket policy when many 18 years are willing to give up their life in the service of their country for the armed forces or peace officers? Wouldn’t training, testing and background check filter out those who should and shouldn’t possess firearms at the age instead instead of banning constitutional rights based on age?
(2)- Require a three-day waiting period for firearm purchases, with some exceptions- I’m not sure what exemptions are but I sure hope the possible attacker will wait 72 hours before they act or Florida could see more innocent life slaughtered.
(3) Ban the sale or possession of bump fire stocks, which allow a semiautomatic weapon to fire more like an automatic weapon- Appears reasonable except in the rare cases where someone has a physical disability where this bump stock can be the only tool that keeps them alive against a menacing threat. Maybe there should be some exemptions as noted in (2)
(4) Let law enforcement officers ask a court to temporarily prohibit someone from possessing or buying firearms or ammunition if there’s evidence the person poses a threat to themselves or others — known as an “extreme risk protection order” – AGREE
(5) Ban people deemed “mentally defective” or who have been committed to a mental institution from owning or possessing firearms until a court grants relief, adding to a current ban on gun purchases for the same people; – I wonder if this might prevent people who need treatment from seeking it, fearing that they might lose their “constitutional rights” although in practicality it seems very reasonable. (B2) Is it possible for a government to label people with a “political view” insane and utilize this provision to take away their 2nd Amendment rights?
(6)Let a law enforcement officer temporarily seize firearms from someone they’re already taking into custody for an involuntary mental health assessment; – AGREE- except point (B2) above .
(7) Provide additional funding for armed school resource officers and mental health services; and
– Enact the Coach Aaron Feis Guardian Program, which would allow some teachers to be armed if both the local school district and local sheriff’s department agree. – AGREE