x
Breaking News
More () »

Florida House committee rejects amendments to school safety bill

Unlike Monday, when hundreds of sometimes rowdy protesters jammed a Senate meeting to consider a similar bill, Tuesday's proceedings were more orderly.
The House Appropriations Committee voted Tuesday 18-11 along mostly party lines against an assault weapons ban. Rep. Bill Hager of Boca Raton, was the only Republican to vote with Democrats. MARY ELLEN KLAS | Times/Herald

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Florida House Republicans are rejecting Democratic-filed amendments to a school safety bill that would ban assault weapons, strip language that would allow some teachers to carry guns in schools and require a mental health examination before someone could purchase a gun.

The House appropriations committee was considering a bill Tuesday that would raise the minimum age to buy rifles from 18 to 21 and creates a three-day waiting period for all gun purchases.

More: Trauma after tragedy: Tampa Bay parents, teens address anxiety from Parkland shooting

Related: Tuesday hearing for Florida shooting suspect case canceled

The bill would also create a program that allows teachers who receive law enforcement training and are deputized by the local sheriff's office to carry concealed weapons in the classroom if also approved by the school district.

Unlike Monday, when hundreds of sometimes rowdy protesters jammed a Senate meeting to consider a similar bill, Tuesday's proceedings were more orderly. But still, several speakers spoke in favor of the assault weapons ban.

The amendment to ban assault weapons was rejected on an 18-11 vote.

The Senate Appropriations Committee is scheduled to take up a similar bill later Tuesday.

Make it easy to keep up-to-date with more stories like this. Download the 10News app now.

Have a news tip? Email desk@wtsp.com, or visit our Facebook page or Twitter feed.

Before You Leave, Check This Out