FCCB Opposes Measure to Allow Guns on School Campuses Owned or Used by Religious Entities

SB 498 (Gruters) / HB 259 (Williamson) authorize the carrying of concealed weapons or firearms on property owned, rented, leased, borrowed, or lawfully used by a church, a synagogue, or any other religious institution, unless the institution has a policy specifically prohibiting persons from carrying a firearm on such property. Both bills advanced through committees this week. Current law already allows concealed weapon permit holders to carry firearms at churches, unless the property owner prohibits it. The primary effect of the legislation would be to allow permit holders to carry weapons onto the campuses of religious schools. 

Concerns are that:

• The bill places onus on schools that support current law and not on the few that seek this change.
• Schools that establish more restrictive policies may be recognized as softer targets.
• Religious schools may establish security plans with insufficiently-trained armed volunteers.

FCCB concerns with the bill are further outlined in a letter to the bill sponsor.

TAKE ACTION: Urge your Florida lawmakers to oppose SB 498 (Gruters) / HB 259 (Williamson) and keep our school campuses safe and gun free.

Pictured above: Michael Sheedy, FCCB executive director, testifies in opposition to HB 259 before the House Education & Employment Committee