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Senate Bill Filed On Guns At Religious Institutions

Leon County Judge John Cooper on June 30, 2022, in a screen grab from The Florida Channel.
The Florida Channel
Leon County Judge John Cooper on June 30, 2022, in a screen grab from The Florida Channel.

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.