Tallahassee, Fla. (WTXL) - In a 93-24 vote, the Florida House of Representatives passed HB-89, the "warning shot" bill. The measure allowed individuals to fire a warning shot instead of retreating from the threat of death or bodily harm.
South Florida Rep. Perry Thurston, who is also running for Attorney General, attempted to change the bill but the amendment was defeated 83-31.
The bill specifically addresses the current "10-20-life" law as it relates to self-defense cases. That law requires lengthy sentences for specific felony firearm convictions.
HB-89 was partially inspired by Marissa Alexander. She is the Jacksonville woman who was sentenced to 20 years in prison after firing a shot at her estranged husband. Her case was tossed out by an appeals court and she is headed for a new trial.
