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New senate bill aims at public safety and gun purchases

Posted at 9:50 PM, Jan 16, 2020
and last updated 2020-01-16 22:23:50-05

LEE COUNTY, Fla. — A bill that changes the way guns are bought in our state is making its way through the Florida senate.

State senators say it will make things safer, but some local gun rights advocates say the only thing it does is trample on their second amendment rights.

One Senate Bill 7028's proposed changes involves the private sale of guns.

If you don't have your federal firearm license and want to sell your gun to someone in private, you'll have to check the person's id to confirm they're at least 21 and create a proof of sale document.

You'll now be required to ask the buyer a set of 13 questions, which includes things like their criminal history and mental state.

One gun rights advocate Fox 4 spoke to calls the requirement "outrageous."

If you want to sell your gun in a public place, you'll have to complete a background check and get confirmation from FDLE that it's complete first.

They're changes that advocate says only further complicates things for gun owners.

"I appreciate what these guys are trying to do, they're trying to make our communities a lot safer, and everybody wants that. But don't take away and trample on my second amendment right just to give the appearance that you're doing something. Because you're not doing anything except trampling on the law-abiding citizens of this country." Michael Thompson, President, East Lee County Republicans.

Thompson is encouraging anyone who has an opinion on the matter to reach out to their local lawmakers.

Fox 4 has reached out to members of the state senate for comment but have not heard back.

For a full look at the bill, click here.