The 2022 Florida legislative session doesn’t start until January 11, but bills have already been filed. Below is a sample of some of the more important bills to keep an eye on.
THE GOOD:
HB 19 by Michael Gottlieb (D) requires the FDLE to enter into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database the record of persons who are prohibited from purchasing a firearm. Strengthens existing gun laws passed after the mass killing at Marjory Stonemen Douglas H.S.
HB 47 by Michael Grieco (D) makes it a third-degree felony to create a fraudulent proof of vaccination.
HB 6003 by Anna Eskamani (D) repeals state law that prohibits local governments from granting certain legal rights to the natural environment. Repeals another state law that limits the power of local governments.
THE BAD:
HB 11 by Alex Rizo (R) prohibits coming within 30 feet of a police officer after receiving a warning not to approach. It also makes it illegal to “Interrupt, disrupt, hinder, impede, or interfere with…” or to “provoke a physical response from the…” law officers carrying out their duties. Think of the killing of George Floyd.
HB 6007 by Anthony Sabatini (R) would allow carrying a firearm onto a college or university. This same bill was filed last session, but it died in committee.
HB 6013 by Sabatini repeals the right of police to seize guns, the ban on those under 21 from buying a rifle or shotgun, and the ban on bump stocks. Repeals gun laws passed following the mass killing at Marjory Stonemen Douglas H.S. Also filed last session, and died in committee.
THE UGLY:
HB 29 also by Sabatini proposes to rename U.S. 27 in Florida the “President Donald J. Trump Highway.”
It’s too early to tell if these bills will make it through the session and ever get voted on. They must get assigned to a committee and may never get a vote there, thus die in committee. We will keep you informed on the progress of these and other bills as they go through the legislative process.
The Legislative Research Team
Email Questions/Comments to: legislativeresearch@semdems.com