TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (News Service) - Several Democratic lawmakers joined school administrators, students and clergy at the State Capitol Friday.
They continue to call for a ban on assault-style weapons as part of any "school safety plan" the legislature may pass in the coming week.
The group also objects to what has been dubbed the "school marshal" program in House and Senate proposals.
That program could lead to armed teachers in schools.
Following a Valentine's day school shooting in Broward County that killed 17 people, lawmakers are under pressure to act quickly to address school safety and mental health issues, and raise the age to 21 for the purchase of rifles and other long guns.
State Representative Shevrin Jones, a former teacher, says carrying a gun should not be in the job description.
"I think that it is the most asinine thing that the leadership of this body could even come up with to say that this is good legislation," said Jones. "This is not good legislation. This is pandering to the NRA."
Governor Rick Scott, who must sign off on any proposed legislation, has repeatedly stated his opposition to giving teachers guns.
The Florida Senate is expected to discuss the bill on Saturday, during a rare weekend legislative session.
