Tallahassee, FL: Some Florida Republicans attempted to block a GOP proposal to reduce the minimum age for purchasing a handgun in the state to 18.
The Republican-controlled Florida House of Representatives approved a bill proposed by Republican Representative Bobby Payne on Friday to reduce the minimum age for purchasing weapons in the state from 21 to 18.
Four Republican Representatives, Linda Chaney, Chip LaMarca, Vicki Lopez, and Cyndi Stevenson, opposed House Bill (HB) 1223.
The measure declares that it pertains to the minimum age for firearm purchase or transfer. This text proposes to lower the minimum age for purchasing a firearm and restrict certain licensees from selling or transferring firearms to individuals of a certain age. It also aims to remove an existing exception. The effective date of these changes is also indicated.
Lopez stated to Newsweek on Friday that she had voted against the law the prior year.
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Lopez informed Newsweek that he enjoys analyzing data and mentioned that multiple research indicate that those aged 18 to 20 have the highest likelihood of being involved in gun homicides. “I am someone who comprehends the full implications of possessing a firearm.” As a gun owner, I take my responsibility seriously.
Lopez stated that individuals aged 18 to 20 are more likely to commit homicide compared to other age groups.
Representative Stevenson stated that there are heightened risks of suicide and gun violence for individuals under the age of 21, which is widely recognized.
“I perceive no practical advantage or justification in reducing the minimum age for purchasing a firearm in Florida from 21 to 18, but I do recognize potential dangers.” The potential harm to innocent individuals, including the loss of life, and the negative impact on a young person’s future. Stevenson stated that the risk is unacceptable to him.
The legislation was passed on Friday amidst continuing discussions on gun control across the United States. President Joe Biden announced the establishment of a White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention in September to address the issue of gun violence.
While announcing the new agency, Biden stated that every time he has met with families affected by gun violence, they all urge their government representatives to take action. “I will persist in encouraging Congress to implement widely accepted measures such as universal background checks and prohibiting assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.”
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The minimum age for purchasing firearms was raised to 21 after the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on February 14, 2018. The shooter, Nikolas Cruz, was 19 years old at the time and killed 17 people while injuring 17 more. It was the most lethal high school mass shooting in U.S. history. The bill voted on Friday repeals a section of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Act enacted after the shooting.
Based on a map from the Ammunition Depot, most U.S. states permit individuals aged 18 and above to buy handguns. States like New York, California, and Washington set the minimum age for purchasing handguns at 21.
Payne reassured that he is not concerned about the safety of schools in Florida, as reported by Florida’s Voice News on Friday. “I am concerned about the vulnerability of my children, grandchildren, and your children.”
The law must pass through the Florida state Senate in order to reach Governor Ron DeSantis’ desk for signing, as reported by Florida’s Voice News.