Florida NEWS: Age Restriction Loosening UP? Let's Take A LOOK

A measure that would restore the rights of 18-, 19- and 20-year-old Floridians has passed its first hurdle in the state legislature.

Following the terrible mass murder at Parkland High School in Parkland, Florida, back in 2018, the state legislature hastily passed several new gun laws, including one outlawing firearm purchases for anyone under 21, including adults aged 18, 19 and 20. Republican lawmakers have been trying to overturn that law for several years.

The measure, House Bill 133, which would lower the age for law-abiding Floridians to purchase a firearm from 21 back to 18, passed the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee on November 18 by an 11-5 party-line vote. If passed by the House Judiciary Committee, it would then go to the House floor for a vote.

Proponents of the measure believe the law is both unfair and unjust.

According to a report at cbsnews.com, Republican Rep. Jessica Baker, told lawmakers in the subcommittee hearing that the state law created an “unfair situation.” Specifically, she cited the fact that while people under 21 cannot buy rifles or other long guns, they can receive them as gifts.

“If we believe in equality, how is it that a young adult from a well-off family can get a long gun as a gift and protect their home and their families, but a young adult with no family support cannot?” Baker said. “We’re basically saying you can defend yourself, but only if you have parents who can afford to give you a long gun.”