In yet another win for supporters of the second amendment, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill on Tuesday that allows citizens with concealed carry licenses to possess firearms at churches or other religious institutions that share properties with schools.
The measure, HB 259, was one of 94 bills DeSantis signed, according to a late-night announcement from his office.
Florida law previously has generally allowed the carrying of firearms in churches and other religious institutions but prohibits it on school properties. Many citizens would consequently not carry at institutions that are shared by both religious and educational establishments.
The bill was approved during the Spring Legislative Session with a 76-37 vote in the House and a 24-16 vote in the Senate.
Senator and sponsor Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota, said in April that churches leasing school space are potential targets as they bar qualified citizens from carrying and lack armed security. Read more…
