To combat the tragedy of gun violence throughout the state, Representative Campbell (D-Fort Lauderdale) and Senator Osgood (D-Fort Lauderdale) filed House Bill 883 and Senate Bill 368. [Read more…] about Representative Campbell and Senator Osgood File Bill to Close Loophole Allowing Altered Firearms with Automatic Firing Rates
Gun Violence
Nelson, others call for funding for CDC to study gun violence
U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) joined 33 other Democratic senators Friday in urging leaders of the Senate Appropriations Committee to include $50 million in next year’s Department of Health and Human Services spending bill for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to study the causes and prevention of gun violence.
“Every year, we lose more than 33,000 lives due to gun violence, and more than 81,000 people suffer injuries from firearms,” the lawmakers wrote. “It has become increasingly clear that gun violence in America is going to continue unabated until Congress takes meaningful action.”
The senators said the $50 million would be used to fund “approximately 10 to 20 studies on the topic of gun violence.”
A PDF copy is available here.
Sen. Nelson hosts hearing to talk need for gun reform with survivors and families affected by gun violence
As part of ongoing efforts to get Congress to act on gun control, U.S. Sen Bill Nelson (D-FL) hosted an emotional hearing today with those directly impacted by gun violence, including two members of the Parkland, FL community, who are calling on Congress to pass commonsense gun regulations.
David Hogg, a 17-year-old student from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL, and Fred Guttenberg, father of Jaime Guttenberg, who was killed at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School just three weeks ago, both testified at the hearing, and called on Congress to take immediate action.
Nelson introduced the two Floridians, noting their incredible advocacy for gun violence prevention.
“David and his fellow classmates have taken this issue and made it the number one issue that they are talking about nationally. While David was the target of an ugly conspiracy – and that conspiracy came from the far right – he has not let that stop him from continuing to speak out on the need for legislation that prevents gun violence from taking more lives,” Nelson said. “Well, what Fred has done is he’s taken this devastating loss and he’s turned it into a platform for advocacy on gun violence prevention and the need to protect students and alumni from that school who are leading this movement.”
In the wake of the shooting in Parkland, a movement led by students and parents like David Hogg and Fred Guttenberg has swept across the country, and is now bringing their case to Congress.
“I have dedicated the rest of my life to fighting for the cause of gun safety. I will not stop. No other parent should ever go through what my family and 16 other families are going through,” Fred Guttenberg said in his testimony today. “What is unfathomable is how this is not unique to us. This had become something that was becoming way too common. This time, the gun rights crowd messed with the wrong community, the wrong kids, and the wrong dad.”
“Just three weeks ago gun violence took the lives of 17 people in Parkland, Florida and today we heard from a parent and student directly affected. It was incredibly powerful and heartbreaking and I am grateful for all the witnesses who shared their stories today,” Nelson said after the hearing. “What happened in Parkland should never happen again, and I stand with these students, parents and families in demanding action. We must come together now to get something done.”
The hearing today was intended to give members of the U.S. Senate the opportunity to hear directly from survivors and family members who lost loved ones due to gun violence.
Video of Sen. Nelson’s introduction and remarks can be found here.
A full video of the hearing, including witness testimony, can be found here.
Senator Audrey Gibson and Representative Lori Berman File Legislation to Reduce Gun Violence
Senator Audrey Gibson (D-Jacksonville) and Representative Lori Berman (D-Lantana) are filing bills designed to temporarily prevent individuals who are at high risk of harming themselves or others from accessing firearms. The legislation allows family, household members, and law enforcement to obtain a court order when there is demonstrated evidence that the person poses a significant danger to themselves or others, including danger as a result of a mental health crisis or violent behavior.
“It is critical to address senseless gun deaths that now seem to be more the norm than a rarity. This bill is designed to remove from harm’s way individuals who are at high risk of harming themselves or others through an act of gun violence. A temporary, evidenced-based court order to remove a firearm from the home can be extremely helpful in curbing dangerous crisis behavior,” said Senator Audrey Gibson.
The purpose and intent of this legislation – HB 231, with the Senate measure awaiting a bill number – is to reduce gun deaths and injuries by allowing an order to temporarily restrict a person’s access to firearms, while simultaneously respecting constitutional right. Court orders are intended to be limited to situations in which the person poses a significant danger of harming themselves or others by possessing a firearm, and include standards and safeguards to protect the rights of respondents and due process of law.
“In light of Sunday night’s tragedy in Las Vegas, it is more important than ever that we address how to limit gun violence,” stated Representative Lori Berman. “This bill provides a mechanism for family or household members and law enforcement to stop bad actors before tragedy happens. The legislation also gives family members a pathway for removing firearms from individuals in the throes of a dangerous mental health crisis, including suicidal ideations.”
