Florida Republicans are reigniting a contentious debate over gun control as they move to repeal a state law that prohibits individuals under the age of 21 from purchasing rifles and other long guns.
This week, Sen. Jay Collins, R-Tampa, and Rep. Michelle Salzman, R-Pensacola, filed companion bills (SB 920 and HB 759) that would lower the minimum age for purchasing such firearms to 18. The legislation is set to be considered during the upcoming legislative session, which begins March 4.
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The proposed repeal comes amid an ongoing legal challenge to the law, which was enacted in the wake of the 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland.
The tragedy, which claimed the lives of 17 students and faculty members, was carried out by 19-year-old Nikolas Cruz using a semi-automatic rifle. In response, the Florida Legislature and then-Gov. Rick Scott passed the measure to raise the minimum age for purchasing long guns from 18 to 21. Federal law already prohibits individuals under 21 from buying handguns.
A Heated Legal and Legislative Battle
The National Rifle Association (NRA) has challenged the constitutionality of the law, arguing that it infringes on the Second Amendment rights of young adults. The case is currently pending before the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, adding urgency to the legislative push to repeal the measure.
This is not the first time Florida Republicans have attempted to roll back the law. Last year, the House passed a bill to repeal the age restriction, but the effort stalled in the Senate.
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This year, however, the issue is gaining renewed momentum, with Sen. Randy Fine, R-Brevard County, also filing a separate bill (SB 94) to eliminate the restriction. Fine, who is running in a special election for a congressional seat, will leave the Senate at the end of March, adding a sense of urgency to his legislative efforts.
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