In order to participate in the GunBroker Member forums, you must be logged in with your GunBroker.com account. Click the sign-in button at the top right of the forums page to get connected.
FL update on HB503 Right to Keep Arms in Mot
CHEVELLE427
Member Posts: 6,750
Thank you for e-mailing me to voice your support for House Bill 503, The Preservation and Protection of the Right to Keep and Bear Arms in Motor Vehicles Act of 2008. I appreciate hearing from my constituents on issues that are important to them.
I am pleased to inform you that House Bill 503 passed favorably out of the House of Representatives, with my support, and was signed into law by Governor Charlie Crist on April 15, 2008.
Unfortunately, there is a lot of confusion regarding this issue and I think it is important to point out that this legislation is quite different from both last year's legislation, as well as the original version of HB 503 filed this year by Representative Evers. This legislation allows only individuals with a concealed weapons permit issued by the state to keep a firearm locked in their car while at work.
I understand the concerns of some business owners. However, I believe we must also protect Floridians' ability to defend themselves, their families and their property. We have put a lot of time and effort into crafting this revised legislation, and have listened carefully to the concerns of people on both sides of the issue. I believe that the policy in this legislation is both a reasonable and common-sense solution to address this issue. Requiring a concealed weapon permit ensures that individuals have undergone a thorough background check, have submitted fingerprints to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and have completed a weapons safety or training course.
In addition to requiring a concealed weapon permit, this legislation offers other protections. HB 503 requires that all firearms be locked inside vehicles, so that individuals may not bring their weapon into a place of business. It also provides prohibitions for places such as schools and correctional institutions.
This bill also provides additional liability protections for businesses owners. Under this legislation, businesses are immune from civil liability based on actions or inactions taken in compliance with the bill's requirements. This is a reasonable safeguard for businesses for complying with Florida law.
Again, thank you for contacting me. I hope you will continue to contact me on issues that are important to you and to the State of Florida. Please do not hesitate to write me if I can be of further assistance.
Sincerely,
Stan Mayfield
Florida State Representative District 80
I am pleased to inform you that House Bill 503 passed favorably out of the House of Representatives, with my support, and was signed into law by Governor Charlie Crist on April 15, 2008.
Unfortunately, there is a lot of confusion regarding this issue and I think it is important to point out that this legislation is quite different from both last year's legislation, as well as the original version of HB 503 filed this year by Representative Evers. This legislation allows only individuals with a concealed weapons permit issued by the state to keep a firearm locked in their car while at work.
I understand the concerns of some business owners. However, I believe we must also protect Floridians' ability to defend themselves, their families and their property. We have put a lot of time and effort into crafting this revised legislation, and have listened carefully to the concerns of people on both sides of the issue. I believe that the policy in this legislation is both a reasonable and common-sense solution to address this issue. Requiring a concealed weapon permit ensures that individuals have undergone a thorough background check, have submitted fingerprints to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and have completed a weapons safety or training course.
In addition to requiring a concealed weapon permit, this legislation offers other protections. HB 503 requires that all firearms be locked inside vehicles, so that individuals may not bring their weapon into a place of business. It also provides prohibitions for places such as schools and correctional institutions.
This bill also provides additional liability protections for businesses owners. Under this legislation, businesses are immune from civil liability based on actions or inactions taken in compliance with the bill's requirements. This is a reasonable safeguard for businesses for complying with Florida law.
Again, thank you for contacting me. I hope you will continue to contact me on issues that are important to you and to the State of Florida. Please do not hesitate to write me if I can be of further assistance.
Sincerely,
Stan Mayfield
Florida State Representative District 80