Floridians with concealed-weapons licenses would be allowed to pack heat while at private schools on the properties of religious institutions, under a proposal filed Wednesday by Sen. Kelli Stargel, R-Lakeland.
The measure (SB 274), filed for the 2018 legislative session, which starts in January, reintroduces a proposal that failed during the 2017 session. Rep. Neil Combee, R-Auburndale, introduced an identical House proposal (HB 113) in August.
Outside of law-enforcement officers, state law prohibits people from carrying guns at schools. The House approved a measure similar to the Stargel-Combee proposal during the 2017 session, while the Senate approved a narrower version that would have barred people from carrying guns on the properties during school hours or when school activities are underway.
Supporters have said people with concealed-weapons licenses should be able to be armed at churches for security reasons.
