Senator Linda Stewart (D-Orlando) has filed legislation to ban the sale of large-capacity magazines, answering the call from nearly three-quarters of Floridians who want the state to do more to curb gun violence. SB 794 defines a large-capacity magazine as holding more than 10 rounds.
“It’s time to take action and the research is clear – banning large-capacity magazines is the single most meaningful step we can take to protect our citizens from senseless mass shootings,” said Stewart.
According to the Giffords Law Center, large-capacity magazines have been used in all ten of the deadliest mass shootings in the last decade, including in the 2017 Las Vegas massacre, where the shooter was able to fire 100 rounds in just 10 seconds, and the 2019 Dayton mass shooting, where the shooter was able to fire at least 41 rounds in 30 seconds.
Nine other states and the District of Columbia have adopted some form of large-capacity magazine restrictions.
Research by Dr. Michael Siegel of Boston University shows that states that have adopted magazine restrictions have a 63 percent lower rate of mass shootings than states with no restrictions, and that whether a state has a large capacity ammunition magazine ban is the single best predictor of the mass shooting rate in that state.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission already limits magazine capacities to no more than five rounds for the purpose of hunting game mammals and resident game birds.
“If we cap magazine capacity to preserve wildlife, why can’t we cap it to protect human life?” asked Stewart. “Forcing a gunman, intent on inflicting mass casualties, to reload after 10 rounds can often buy precious time for individuals to escape or fight back. And it opens a brief window for law enforcement to move in.”
SB 794, along with a forthcoming bill banning specific assault weapons, continues the promise Senator Stewart made to families, victims, and survivors of the shootings at the Pulse nightclub and Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.
“We owe it to our citizens to stand up and implement these common-sense solutions. Floridians should be free to enjoy their lives without having to fear the possibility of a mass shooting,” said Stewart.
