It's expected for gun bills to be a hot topic of debate during the 2016 legislative session.
Police chiefs in the state have been debating whether or not you should be able to have your gun on display while you're out in public.
The Florida Police Chief Association voted on Thursday to back a proposed open-carry bill. The FPCA represent law enforcement agencies in different throughout the state. If passed, the bill would allow more than a million Floridians with concealed-weapons permits to openly carry guns.
The associations support is promised under a few conditions.
In a statement the FPCA sent FOX 4, a spokesperson with the association says the vote in favor to support the open-carry bill stands as long as certain changes are made.
The statement reads:
"The FPCA has been closely monitoring the bills to authorize concealed carry licenses to openly carry. We oppose this legislation in its current form; however, our leadership has worked with the bill sponsors at length and we have submitted four amendments which we believe will better protect our law enforcement officers and the public."
FOX 4 spoke to a retired Police Chief, Walter Zalisko, to get perspective on open carry. FOX 4 also asked and if a open-carry bill if the changes the association wants made will be effective.
"I think open-carry is a doable prospect but there are certain problems," Zalisko said. "If someone were to walk into a bank with a gun clearly visible, the first reaction to the bank tellers are going to be are they here to cash a check or are they here to withdrawl?"
Zalisko says he thinks concealed weapon holders should be required to complete a qualification renewal every few years to show proper handling of a weapon.
"You can have someone who qualified at 40 and now they're 75 years old, I would want to know how proficient they are in using that weapon."
Zalisko adds there are benefits to open carry.
"there are benefits to open carry for an individual. If I'm walking down the street and my weapon is exposed and there is a criminal looking to mug somebody, he's not going to mug me."
The amendments have not been filed yet but listed below are the provisions the police chiefs associations board of directors are proposing:
1. Original SB300/HB163: authorizes concealed carry licensees to openly carry firearms or weapons.
FPCA's Amendment: Maintain requirement that a person open carrying have a concealed weapons permit and are subject to the restrictions and limitations of s. 790.06 and 790.10, Florida Statutes.
2. Original SB300/HB163: specifies that "unless probable cause exists to believe that a crime has been committed by an individual, any person or entity infringing upon the rights conferred on that individual by this chapter, chapter 776, s. 8, Art. I of the State Constitution, or the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution is liable pursuant to s. 790.33(3)(c), (d), (e), and (f)."
FPCA's Amendment: Expressly maintains the "reasonable suspicion" standard for a law enforcement officer to stop a person to verify/investigate his or her open or concealed carry of handgun.
3. Original SB300/HB163: "...Notwithstanding any other law, no immunity shall apply to persons infringing on such rights in violation of this subsection."
FPCA's Amendment: The amendment deletes "subsection" and adds "s. 790.33, Florida Statutes." A new section is added which states "nothing herein is intended to restrict a law enforcement officer's ability or authority to conduct investigations as otherwise permitted by law." Sovereign immunity is a vital tool that allows law enforcement officers to perform their duties without fear of frivolous lawsuits. Officers will not fear losing sovereign immunity when investigating a person open or concealed carrying.
4. Original SB300/HB163: does not require a holster when open carrying.
FPCA's Amendment: Add language that "to openly carry a firearm means a loaded or unloaded handgun carried securely upon the person in a holster that is wholly or partially visible, or carried upon the person in a case or bag that is wholly or partially visible."
