State House Passes Bill Allowing Concealed Carry On Church Grounds
Marshall S. Swanson 
In December of 2019, a gunman opened fire in a Texas church. That the shooting resulted in only two deaths can be credited to an armed congregant who shot the attacker. Learning from the lessons of this event, Florida's legislature recently passed a bill allowing people with concealed-weapons licenses to carry on properties such as churches and schools.
The proposal does not impede property owners from banning weapons on their own authority. However, the bill's proponents described the legislation as a private property rights issue critical to personal freedom, remaining a “foundational [part] of our country.”
Rep. James Bush, a Miami Democrat, joined Republicans in voting the bill, giving the proposal bipartisan support. The Senate bill (SB 498), sponsored by Sen. Joe Gruters, already met the approval of two committees though it needs to pass through the Rules Committee before going to the floor.
Second Amendment advocates also voiced strong support for the bill. Local resident Mike Wilson of Clermont said he has high hopes for the bill's practical use: "This bill will protect everyone, just look at the Texas church shooting in 2019. You come to my church looking for trouble, we'll give you a real Sunday school lesson."
