The fateful day of 14th February is one of the
most heartbreaking day for the United States of America when a gunman of a mere
19 years, lured the students of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, Parkland
and open fired with semi-automatic AR-15. The massacre ended with the death of
17 students along with 14 who were gravely injured. This attack not only
brought a life shattering earthquake in the lives of numerous people, but also
stirred a nationwide debate on the gun policies that are currently prevailing
in America.
During the course of events, roughly after one month of the
shooting day, on the 7th of March 2018, Florida Legislature passed
the historic gun control bill, which, according to many, was the need of the
hour. This can be marked as one of the major victory for the activists, families
of the deceased and the survivors of the Parkland Shooting. It is definitely a
huge setback for NRA that is constantly under the eye and is facing open
criticism for its statements. Now, all the eyes are on Gov. Rick Scott as his
signatures can turn this bill into the first victorious gun control measure in
the history of the state of Florida.
Though this bill is a huge milestone, several provisions that
include a ban on the assault weapons and high capacity magazines are excluded.
Let’s take a look at the bill and what all are the inclusions and exclusions
.
What Does
the Bill Include?
1. Increase
the Minimum Age: This bill proposes to increase the minimum age for the
purchase of any gun from 18 to 21. This would be a parting from the federal law
which discourages people who are under the age of 21 to buy handguns from the
licensed dealer, but can buy rifles and shotguns (which are far deadlier) at
the age of 18.
2. Creation of a Waiting Period: There
would be a waiting period of at least three days till the background check is
completed. This period can be extended, which depends on the time taken for the
background check. There would be certain exceptions for cops and military
people.
3. Ban on
the Bump Stocks: If the bill is signed by the Governor, then there
would be a ban on the bump stocks, which is a device that is attached to the
assault rifle to make the shooter fire faster and in continuation.
4. Arm the
School Employees: This one is the most controversial clause of this bill
as it was never the demand of the Parkland students. A clause that is greatly
supported by NRA, the teachers, counselors, coaches and librarians would be
trained and armed to use the concealed carry weapon. In other words, now you
would see teachers carrying a handgun in their deep concealment holsters.
5. Funding
the School Security: This bill proposes separate funds for schools that are
meant to hire school-based police officers and cops. Also, it includes the
usage of funds to enhance the security of the buildings.
6. Expansion
of Mental Health Services and Regulations: With this bill, the Florida
schools would get special funds for the mental health care of the students.
Moreover, this bill would give the police authorities the power to confiscate
weapons from the individuals who are encountering psychiatric evaluation under
Florida’s Baker Act. This act would restrict gun sales to the people who are
deemed as mentally unstable by a judge or were admitted to any mental
institution.
What Does
the Bill Exclude?
1. Ban on
the Assault Weapons: Ban on the assault weapons was on the biggest demands
of the activists and students. But due to the vagueness of the statement as to
what kind of assault weapons should be banned, this clause is excluded from the
bill.
2. Suspension on the Sales of AR15: Another
amendment that was proposed by Senator Oscar Braynon that involved a ban on the
sales of AR15 and this made it clear that Florida Legislature isn’t in the mood
to ban the assault weapon, whatsoever they may be.
3. Ban on
the High Capacity Magazine: There is no ban on the high
capacity magazines that are capable to fire 100 rounds in one go. This proposal
received huge public support.
4. Strengthening
the Background Check: This proposal received bipartisan support, but isn’t
included in the bill. Though under Federal law, background check is necessary
when there is the purchase of a gun from the licensed dealer, there are several
loopholes that need to be addressed.
All
in all, this bill can prove to be a turning point in the gun laws in the United
States of America. When everybody is looking forward for the decision of Gov.
Rick Scott, the reaction from the NRA is still awaited.
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