On May 7, the 2011 Florida legislative session adjourned. Governor Rick Scott signed three important pro-gun bills into law.
Senate Bill 234, sponsored by state Senator Greg Evers (R-2) and Representative Chris Dorworth (R-34), makes three much-needed changes to the "Right-to-Carry" law -- also known as the Concealed Weapons Licensing law.
SB 234 protects concealed weapons license holders from being charged with the crime of violating the "Open Carry" law because a concealed firearm accidentally or inadvertently became visible, permits concealed weapons license holders to store a firearm in a private vehicle anywhere the vehicle is lawfully parked except those places that are exempted under s. 790.251(7) and conforms state law to current federal requirements that allows purchase of long guns in other states. This bill was signed into law on June 17 and took effect IMMEDIATELY.
House Bill 155, sponsored by state Representative Jason Brodeur (R-33) and Senator Greg Evers (R-2) stops pediatricians from invading privacy rights of gun owners and bringing anti-gun politics into medical examining rooms. This bill was signed into law on June 2 and took effect IMMEDIATELY. This law is currently being challenged in court.
House Bill 45, sponsored by state Representative Matt Gaetz (R-4) and Senator Joe Negron (R-28) stops local politicians and governments from violating Florida law by providing penalties for willful violations. This bill was signed into law on June 1 and will take effect on October 1, 2011.
The delay in the effective date is to allow agencies and local governments to REPEAL any and all regulations, policies, and ordinances that violate Florida’s firearms preemption law. Beginning October 1, citizens and organizations may bring actions against agencies and governments for violating Florida’s firearms preemption law.