Simmons proposes firearm restriction
GOP senator wants to bar some under 25 from buying or owning assault weapons
Republican state Sen. David Simmons wants new restrictions on anyone under age 25 from buying or owning an assault weapon in Florida, a stance welcomed by Democrats but something the state GOP chair said had “zero chance” of passing.
Simmons, R-Sanford, who chairs the powerful Senate Judiciary Committee, announced his proposal Wednesday at an Orange County League of Women Voters event in Orlando.
He told the audience he would introduce the measure for the next legislative session that begins in January, which will be Simmons’ last as a term-limited senator.
The proposal as drafted would bar some individuals under age 25 from purchasing, possessing or selling assault weapons, which Simmons defined as firearms with a fixed magazine capacity of more than 10 rounds of ammunition.
Yet, the bill includes wide-ranging exceptions.
It would allow anyone between 21 and 25 to buy an assault weapon if they successfully complete a hunter safety course and get a hunter safety certification card, or are already licensed to carry a concealed weapon. A bill passed after the Parkland massacre prevents anyone under age 21 from buying any gun.
The restrictions also would have a sunset date of 2025, at which point they would have to be renewed by the Legislature.
“Given the circumstances now and over the last 15 to 20 years, we need to go ahead and do this,” Simmons told the Orlando Sentinel. He was referring to the spate of mass shootings that have taken place, including at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando in 2016 and at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland in 2018.
He said he was a strong believer in the Second Amendment, which he said was put in place so Americans could defend themselves against a tyrannical government and not just to allow access to guns for hunting or self-defense.
But, he added, “Thirty years ago, [issues with] assault-style weapons were not as common as today. We didn’t have at-risk young men committing the kinds of crimes they’re committing. … I think we need to ensure they don’t have access to assault-style weapons.”
Other details remained to be discussed, including whether those under 25 would also still be able to purchase such weapons if they pass a comprehensive background check – or if restrictions should be applied regardless of age.
The draft bill is similar to an amendment Simmons proposed in the aftermath of Parkland, which never came to a vote.
While Simmons heads a powerful committee, he’s not ultimately in charge of which committee or committees would hear the bill.
“It’s unlikely that I would ever support anything like that,” said state Sen. Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota, the chairman of the Republican Party of Florida. “In the present Legislature, I would say it has a zero percent chance.”
Gruters acknowledged the gun safety law passed after the Parkland shooting was also unlikely to have passed a GOP-controlled Legislature, “but I don’t think there’s an appetite to go down that path again.”
Still, he said, he respected Simmons and looked forward to reading his proposed bill.
State Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith, D-Orlando, who has proposed complete assault weapons bans each year since 2017, said he “immediately applauded” Simmons’ announcement at the league event that he also attended. Simmons had described it there as a “ban.”
Smith said later he was disappointed in the many exceptions. But, he added, “I’m open to any restrictions on assault weapons. As always, the devil is in the details. I will continue to work with Sen. Simmons on his idea.”