Will the Sunshine State Finally restore the right to bear arms?
Over the last year, Constitutional Carry has gained momentum nationwide, as states such as Iowa, Montana, Tennessee, Texas, and Utah have passed the legislation.
Texas’ passage of Constitutional Carry, in particular, has created a major shift in momentum across the nation, where now all red states could potentially pass said legislation.
Now state like Florida, which passed gun control in 2018, are now potentially in play for Constitutional Carry in 2022 and beyond.
On January 6, 2022, the Suwannee County GOP sent a strong message to the rest of the Florida GOP by passing a resolution in support of Constitutional Carry.
What’s remarkable about this move is that the county is located in the district of State Representative Chuck Brannan. Brannan is the Chairman of the Criminal Justice & Public Safety Subcommittee, the same committee where Constitutional Carry bill HB 103 is still being held up.
Now, the primary focus is on Brennan to schedule a bill for a hearing and a subsequent vote.
The resolution’s language read as follows:
WHEREAS, Florida, unlike many of the states, requires a permit for legally owned handguns to be carried outside of limited areas such as one’s home and vehicle; and
WHEREAS, criminals do not follow the law and the permit requirement disarms their victims; and
WHEREAS, based on evidence from our state and other states, a permit requirement does not make people safer; and
WHEREAS, Florida should join the growing number of states who recognize constitutional carry, meaning that the constitution is our permit to carry; now
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Republican Executive Committee of Suwannee County supports HB 103 currently pending in the state legislature, in which anyone who legally possesses a handgun should be able to carry it, open or concealed, without a permit, while maintaining licensing as optional for reciprocity purposes. We urge all Republican legislators to support this legislation.
Florida dropped the ball in 2018, when Governor Rick Scott signed into law a bill that established a bump stock ban, red flag gun confiscation orders, and an increase in the age to buy a firearm from 18 to 21. This was all done when Republicans were in firm control of the state legislature. Just another sign that Republican control of political bodies does not guarantee the preservation of freedoms.
However, the Sunshine State can regain ground by passing Constitutional Carry. Current Governor Ron DeSantis has indicated that he would support Constitutional Carry if it came to his desk.
The challenge lies in establishing legislative discipline in both chambers of the Florida State Legislature.
It’s ultimately up to the grassroots to make politicians learn that not passing Constitutional Carry will come with a massive political cost. Republicans simply cannot be trusted solely on the grounds of their partisan affiliation. Pressure from below still remains the most proven way to change politicians’ legislative behavior.
