Florida Moms Demand Action, Everytown Criticize Florida Votes Advancing Dangerous Guns in Schools Bills

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, today criticized state lawmakers for passing House Bills 621 and 1419 out of the Criminal Justice Subcommittee. Volunteers from the Florida chapter of Moms Demand Action testified against both bills during this morning’s committee hearing.

House Bill 621 would allow teachers, employees and volunteers to carry hidden, loaded guns in schools. This bill goes against the best advice of experts who have studied school safety and the guidance of teachers who simply do not want guns in their classrooms.

House Bill 1419 would exempt religious institutions from laws governing the carrying of firearms, allowing people to carry guns in all Florida schools or colleges that have any religious institution on the grounds. The proposed law would apply to elementary, middle and high schools, making it easier for people to carry guns around our children. It would also apply to college campuses, despite an overwhelming body of research demonstrating that the presence of a gun on college campuses is risky due to the prevalence of alcohol and stress on campuses.

STATEMENT FROM GAY VALIMONT, VOLUNTEER LEADER WITH THE FLORIDA CHAPTER OF MOMS DEMAND ACTION FOR GUN SENSE IN AMERICA:

“I know we can all agree that schools should be safe places for our kids to learn. Stories from around the country and an overwhelming body of research both show that putting guns in classrooms is dangerous – full stop. We’re incredibly disappointed that members of the Florida House of Representatives voted to advance two dangerous bills that would increase the prevalence of guns in Florida schools, and we urge members of the House and Senate to oppose them. Defeating these reckless bills is what’s best for our kids.”