WIN: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis Approves Teacher Carry

On Wednesday May 9, 2019, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill that would allow for teachers to be armed on campus.

Despite pressure from anti-gun groups, DeSantis signed SB 7030 into law, which would allow for school or contract employees, in addition to law enforcement officers, be armed under Florida’s new Guardian Program. These individuals must be appointed by the local district superintendent and then approved by the school board.

The selected volunteer “Guardians” must complete rigorous training and have a valid concealed carry license. The course includes 144 hours of training, with a particular focus on firearms usage. The bill passed both chambers of Florida State legislature on strict party line votes.

The bill passed the Republican-controlled state legislature earlier this year with largely partisan approval. Apart from Florida, eight other states carry firearms on campus.

The passage of this bill represent a firm pushback against the gun control that befell Florida in 2018.

DJ Parten, Florida Gun Rights Executive Director, believed this bill was a step in the right direction:

“A year after lawmakers passed sweeping gun control in a knee-jerk reaction to Parkland, I’m glad they are finally stepping up to defend our children, and the only way to do that is to end the “gun free” zones that created the situation in the beginning. Overall, Florida Gun Rights’ priority is still repealing the 2018 gun control and passing solid Constitutional Carry legislation, but this bill is a step in the right direction.”

With gridlock in Washington DC, most gun policy will be determined in state legislatures throughout 2019.