x
Breaking News
More () »

Florida Senate committee OKs bill to close 'gun show loophole'

The bill also requires health care professionals to tell law enforcement if a patient is threatening to carry out a violent act.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida would require background checks before weapons could be sold at gun shows and would require private gun transactions be documented under a bill unanimously approved by a Senate committee. 

The Senate Infrastructure and Security Committee approved the bill Monday. The legislation also would require health care professionals tell law enforcement if they believe a patient is threatening to carry out a violent act that would seriously harm or kill someone. 

Senate Bill 7028 also would ban sales of weapons in public, including gun shows and flea markets, unless a criminal background check was completed.

The Republican-led committee supported the bill over the objections of the National Rifle Association's top lobbyist, Marion Hammer, as reported by Times/Herald Tallahassee Bureau reporter Lawrence Mower. 

She reportedly said, "a vote for this bill is a vote for massive gun control."

Also in the room during the committee vote were members of the gun-control group Moms Demand Action, Mower reports. They were in support of the bill but with a reservation, wanting it to require all gun sales to go through background checks.

RELATED: After losing students and colleagues in Parkland shooting, teacher finds healing in writing

RELATED: Florida Gun Show sees 'record number' of attendees amid gun control debate

What other people are reading right now:

FREE 10NEWS APP: 

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

Stay In the Know! Sign up now for the Brightside Blend Newsletter

Before You Leave, Check This Out