SARASOTA, FLORIDA — Florida legislators are scheduled to return to Sarasota this week to discuss a senate bill (SB 68) and a house bill (HB 4001) that would authorize Florida citizens and students to carry a concealed firearm onto campus. Already announced just last week was a measure which would make it legal for FSU and USF students to keep a concealed carry pistol in their vehicles during sporting events.
Chairman Greg Evers, R-Baker, is set to take the floor this Wednesday at 9 am to open up the debate amongst the Senate according to North Escambia News. This week marks the meeting of a lot of Florida committees — though many will remain idle through the beginning weeks of the 2016 Florida legislative session.
If Florida senators and representatives can successfully argue the merits of concealed carry on campus, Florida stands a real shot at getting a revised bill to the house and senate which would then enable students greater access to their firearms while on campus.
Students for Concealed Carry on Campus, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the rights of students and faculty to protect themselves on campus, is expected to be playing close attention to the results of this legislative week. If successful, Florida would join a host of other states which have previously authorized – in part or whole – the ability for faculty and students to maintain their concealed carry firearms on state-funded university and college campuses.