TALLAHASSEE, FL. (WTXL) - As the Florida Legislature begins its preparations for the 2016 session, a controversial Gun Bill is already slated for its first committee hearing on Wednesday.
The Bill would allow people with concealed-weapons permits to carry their weapons on college and university campuses. Last session's version of the Bill sparked heavy debate and drew opposition from the State University System's Board of Governors, university police chiefs and the 12 public universities. Florida State University President John Thrasher, a former legislative leader, was and remains opposed.
"I frankly think it's just a mistake to do it. I've said that. I'm going to continue to say it. I believe in the second amendment. I supported it when I was in the legislature, but I think there certainly are reasonable exceptions. This is one of those."
Last session's Bill failed in the Senate Judiciary Committee, but the Bill's sponsors remain undeterred. Once again they're State Representative Greg Steube of Sarasota and State Senator Greg Evers of Baker, both Republicans.
The proposal is backed by the National Rifle Association and opposed by the League of Women Voters.
