TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL)- With just over one week remaining in the 2018 Legislative Session, school safety legislation drafted in the House and Senate is drawing criticism from Democrats and Republicans alike.
The plans would require people to be 21 years old to purchase firearms, create a three-day waiting period when buying long guns, and increase funding for mental health.
The House and Senate bills also include a controversial "school marshal" component that would allow specially trained teachers who are deputized by local law enforcement agencies to bring guns to schools.
The legislation was put on hold by the house early Thursday after Republican leaders acknowledged the bill needs more work.
"The conversation has been about making sure that our bills line up, so that we can take up a bill that we can all agree on," said State Representative Jose Oliva. "At least in large part, and that we can pass out of the House."
Accompanied by the father and brother of a student slain during the mass shooting earlier this month, Governor Rick Scott made a rare appearance before the House and Senate on Thursday afternoon.
He urged lawmakers to pass a sweeping measure aimed at making schools safer and keeping guns out of the hands of mentally ill individuals
"I want to make sure that there's a law enforcement presence at our schools. I don't believe in arming the teachers," said Scott. "I've been clear about that since I put out my proposal last week."
The full Florida Senate is expected to take up the bill Friday, with the House waiting until next week to debate what may be passed out of the Senate.
