TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (The News Service of Florida) - Republicans are on the verge of scuttling an effort by Democrats to hold a special legislative session on the state’s “stand your ground” self-defense law.
After three days of polling by the Department of State, 44 House members have voted against the proposed special session, while 25 have voted in favor.
The vote in the Senate stood at 12 in favor and 11 opposed. An updated total is expected later Thursday.
To force a special session, the proposal would require three-fifths support in each of the GOP-dominated legislative chambers.
Democratic State Representative Sean Shaw says the poll results are disappointing, but not unexpected. He feels most Floridians see a need to reform the law.
“Law enforcement doesn’t like it. Victims groups don’t like it. Prosecutors don’t like it. The only people who like it are the ones who have offices in this capitol building," said Shaw. "In these November elections, you’re going to have to elect some people who do not think like that.”
So far, one Democrat has joined House Republicans in opposition, according to results posted by the Department of State.
Otherwise, the results have fallen along party lines.
Legislators have until noon Friday to respond to the polling.
The request to revisit the self-defense law came in response to the shooting death last month of Markeis McGlockton in the parking lot of a Clearwater convenience store.
No charges have been filed against the shooter.
