On Monday the Florida House passed a bill that would permit teachers to bring guns to school. The proposal is less likely to pass the Senate, which is more moderate. School employees would have to possess concealed weapon licenses and military or law enforcement experience. The bill would "require schools to hold drills to prepare for active-shooter situations," Kathleen McGrory writes for the Miami Herald.
In the weeks after the Connecticut elementary school shooting, Republican Rep. Greg Steube brought up the idea, and the National Rifle Association agreed with the proposal. "The best way to stop a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun," NRA lobbyist Marion Hammer said.
Some parent groups, teachers and local school boards have protested, saying guns should not be permitted on school property. "[Putting] guns in the hands of school personnel is not the answer to ensuring the safety of all children," said Mindy Gould, who oversees legislative affairs for the state PTA.
Steube's bill didn't make it through last year, and this year it incited a lively debate. "If you want to keep children safe, put forth the money from our surplus to hire resource officers," said Rep. Karen Castor Dentel, a Maitland Democrat. "I know Rep. Steube has worked hard on this, but arming teachers is not the solution. Funding our schools adequately is." However, Rep. Ronald Renuart pointed out that "We cannot afford to have resource officers in every school full time. Yet, we have very willing veterans who have been well-trained who can help us in this situation."
"We are not safe when we create an environment where those who are deranged can go and do reckless damage," said Rep. Dennis Baxley, R-Ocala. (Read more)
In the weeks after the Connecticut elementary school shooting, Republican Rep. Greg Steube brought up the idea, and the National Rifle Association agreed with the proposal. "The best way to stop a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun," NRA lobbyist Marion Hammer said.
Some parent groups, teachers and local school boards have protested, saying guns should not be permitted on school property. "[Putting] guns in the hands of school personnel is not the answer to ensuring the safety of all children," said Mindy Gould, who oversees legislative affairs for the state PTA.
Steube's bill didn't make it through last year, and this year it incited a lively debate. "If you want to keep children safe, put forth the money from our surplus to hire resource officers," said Rep. Karen Castor Dentel, a Maitland Democrat. "I know Rep. Steube has worked hard on this, but arming teachers is not the solution. Funding our schools adequately is." However, Rep. Ronald Renuart pointed out that "We cannot afford to have resource officers in every school full time. Yet, we have very willing veterans who have been well-trained who can help us in this situation."
"We are not safe when we create an environment where those who are deranged can go and do reckless damage," said Rep. Dennis Baxley, R-Ocala. (Read more)
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