GIFFORDS Condemns Florida House Vote to Repeal Critical Post-Parkland Gun Safety Laws

Miami, FL — GIFFORDS Florida, the gun violence prevention organization founded by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, condemned the Florida House for passing two bills that would repeal commonsense gun safety measures enacted after the school shooting in Parkland.

In 2018, the Florida legislature raised the age to 21 and enacted a three-day waiting period to buy a gun with a background check. Now, HB 1223 would lower the minimum age back to 18 to buy a gun. HB 17 would reopen the Charleston Loophole, allowing gun sales to proceed after three days whether or not a background check has been completed.

“I’m irate and disappointed in our state legislators, who voted to repeal these commonsense gun safety measures. After the horrific school shooting in Parkland, many advocates, including myself, successfully pushed to raise the age limit and close a critical background check loophole. Now, the Florida House is caving to the gun lobby’s agenda. I have faith that the Florida Senate will do the right thing and keep these lifesaving laws in place.”

“These dangerous bills must be stopped in the Florida legislature. My former students were at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School during the shooting, and my heart shattered after hearing the news. I, and so many more Floridians, were moved to action to prevent further tragedies. We fought to raise the minimum age and strengthen background checks because it was the right thing to do then—and that hasn’t changed. As a responsible gun owner, I know that these measures aren’t a hindrance to my Second Amendment rights, and I’m confident the Florida Senate will listen to its constituents.”

Florida received a D+ for its weak gun laws in GIFFORDS Law Center’s Annual Gun Law Scorecard. 

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