TALLAHASSEE, Fl. (WTXL) -- A proposal which would allow concealed-weapon permit holders to bring handguns onto college and university campuses, moves forward in the state house, despite opposition from academic leaders.
The "Higher Education and Workforce Subcommittee" voted 10 to 3, with Tallahassee Democrat Michelle Rehwinkel-Vasilinda joining nine republicans, to advance the bill.
The legislation would allow the state's nearly $1.5 million concealed-weapon permit holders to carry guns while on state campuses.
Rehwinkel-Vasilinda, a co-sponsor of the bill, says some people already have guns illegally on campus, and campuses are open and not as safe as some would like to believe.
"The facts are that concealed weapons permit holders are law-abiding citizens", said Rehwinkel-Vasilinda. "The facts are that there are illegal guns on campus. The facts are that there have not been any of these high profile events on campuses that have included concealed weapons permit holders."
The fate of the bill likely remains with the senate, where an identical measure must get through its next scheduled stop at the senate judiciary committee.
"This is not a bill that addresses rape on campus. This is a bill that allows certain people to carry guns and others not to", said Democrat state representative Kristin Jacobs. "If we really want to address the issue of rape on campus, then what we need to ensure is that we have a greater number of officers on campus that can continue to protect women in that environment."
The bills are filed for the 2016 legislative session, which starts in January.
