Isabella Carter
On April 3, 2023, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis quietly signed a bill into law that allows eligible residents to carry a concealed gun without a permit, training, or a background check. The law, which takes effect on July 1, 2023, has been referred to as constitutional carry by supporters and critics alike. DeSantis had previously vowed to sign such a measure before leaving office, and his signing of the bill gives him another legislative victory as he prepares a campaign for president.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the bill | Constitutional Carry |
| Governor's name | Ron DeSantis |
| State | Florida |
| Date signed | 3rd April 2023 |
| Effective date | 1st July 2023 |
| No. of states allowing permitless carry of concealed guns | More than half of U.S. states |
| No. of permit holders in Florida | Nearly 3 million |
| Fee for a license | $97 |
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What You'll Learn
DeSantis signed the bill in a private ceremony
On April 3, 2023, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill to allow constitutional carry, or the permitless carry of concealed guns, into law. DeSantis signed the bill in a private ceremony in his office, issuing a three-paragraph news release stating, "Constitutional Carry is in the books." The bill allows anyone who can legally own a gun in Florida to carry one without a permit, eliminating the need for training and a background check to carry concealed guns in public.
DeSantis' move fulfilled a promise he made in May 2022, when he vowed to sign constitutional carry into law before leaving office. At the time, he stated, "I can tell you that before I am done as Governor, we will have a signature on that bill." DeSantis' endorsement of the measure was met with criticism, with opponents arguing that it would make it easier for criminals to obtain and carry guns.
The signing of the bill took place just hours after it landed on DeSantis' desk, with Fox News breaking the news before the governor's press office informed reporters. The bill passed by the Republican-controlled Legislature faced opposition from Democrats, who argued that it undermined efforts to prevent gun violence.
The new law, which took effect on July 1, 2023, places Florida among over two dozen other states that allow constitutional carry. While supporters of the bill argue that it upholds the Second Amendment and removes bureaucratic hurdles to a constitutional right, critics contend that it prioritizes political ambitions over public safety.
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The bill removes the need for a concealed weapons permit
On April 3, 2023, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill allowing eligible individuals to carry a gun without a license or the payment of a $97 fee. The bill, known as "Constitutional Carry," removes the requirement for a concealed weapons permit, allowing individuals to carry a concealed firearm without seeking a "government permission slip." This bill places Florida among roughly two dozen other states, including Texas and Alabama, that have similar laws in place.
The signing of the bill was met with mixed reactions. Supporters of the bill argued that the previous licensing requirements amounted to asking for permission from the government to exercise a constitutional right. They believe that the bill upholds the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms. On the other hand, critics, including Democratic National Committee Chair Jaime Harrison, blasted DeSantis for potentially making it easier for criminals to carry guns. They argue that the bill violates the U.S. Constitution and prioritizes the governor's political ambitions over the safety of Floridians.
The bill, effective from July 1, 2023, also includes provisions for improving school security and allocating $60 million towards safety programs. It is important to note that Florida already had a reputation for its residents' affinity toward concealed carry permits, with nearly 2.5 million civilians holding such permits as of March 2022. The new law adds to the existing complexity of gun control legislation in the United States, with varying restrictions and requirements across different states.
The debate around concealed carry laws and the Second Amendment has been ongoing in the United States. While some states have adopted a full faith and credit policy, treating out-of-state carry permits similarly to out-of-state driver's licenses, there is a lack of federal legislation mandating such practices. The Supreme Court's NYSRPA v. Bruen (2022) decision required all states to allow for concealed carry of handguns, either with or without a permit, further fueling the discussion.
The "Constitutional Carry" bill in Florida reflects a broader trend of conservative legislation and has sparked discussions about gun safety laws and the interpretation of the Second Amendment. While proponents argue for the protection of constitutional rights, critics raise concerns about the potential impact on public safety, especially in heavily populated urban areas. The bill's implementation will be closely watched to assess its effects on crime rates and the broader implications for gun control legislation in the United States.
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DeSantis' constitutional carry violates the U.S. Constitution
On April 3, 2023, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed HB 543, the state's "Permitless Carry" bill, also known as "Constitutional Carry." The law allows eligible individuals to carry a gun in public without a license or the payment of a $97 fee. DeSantis and the bill's proponents argue that it is the natural progression of firearms law, ensuring that law-abiding citizens can exercise their Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms without government "infringement."
However, critics argue that DeSantis' Constitutional Carry law violates the U.S. Constitution. They contend that the U.S. Supreme Court is the ultimate arbiter of whether laws exceed constitutional limits, including those pertaining to the Second Amendment and firearm regulations. By circumventing mandated training and background checks, DeSantis' law enables individuals to carry firearms in public without proper safety education and mental health screenings, potentially endangering public safety.
The law enforcement perspective raises concerns about the misinterpretation of body language and reactions when multiple people are armed in a single scenario. It puts law enforcement officers in a challenging position, as they must either overreact to the presence of multiple firearms or become desensitized to the potential threats posed by armed individuals.
Additionally, critics argue that DeSantis' Constitutional Carry law prioritizes his presidential ambitions over the safety and well-being of Floridians. They contend that the law is a sham, benefiting his political aspirations at the expense of public welfare. The law has been characterized as "absurd political pandering" by opponents, especially in a state with a history of tragic mass shootings and high rates of gun violence.
In conclusion, DeSantis' Constitutional Carry law has sparked intense debate and controversy. While proponents celebrate it as a victory for Second Amendment rights, critics argue that it violates the U.S. Constitution by circumventing mandated safety measures and endangering public safety. The law's potential impact on Florida and its alignment with the U.S. Constitution will continue to be closely scrutinized and evaluated.
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The bill will take effect from July 1, 2023
On April 3, 2023, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill into law that allows eligible individuals to carry a gun without a license or training. This legislation, known as "constitutional carry," removes the requirement for a permit, training, and background check to carry a concealed weapon in the state of Florida. The law will come into effect on July 1, 2023, making Florida the 26th state to legalize permitless concealed carry.
The bill, HB 543, was signed by Gov. DeSantis within hours of it reaching his desk. The signing took place in a private ceremony, and the governor's only immediate public comment was, "Constitutional Carry is in the books." This measure has been a topic of discussion for some time, with Gov. DeSantis previously expressing his support for it and vowing to sign it into law before leaving office.
The "constitutional carry" law allows anyone who can legally own a gun in Florida to carry one without a permit. This means that training, background checks, and the three-day waiting period will no longer be required to carry concealed guns in public. However, a background check and waiting period will still be necessary for purchasing a gun from a licensed dealer.
The enactment of this law has sparked strong reactions from both supporters and critics. Proponents, including Republicans and gun rights advocates, argue that it upholds the Second Amendment and the constitutional right to keep and bear arms without government interference. They assert that law-abiding citizens have the right to carry guns for self-protection. On the other hand, critics, including Democrats and gun control advocates, argue that the bill could endanger public safety and make it easier for criminals to obtain and carry firearms. They have also criticized the timing of the bill's signing, which occurred shortly after a tragic school shooting in Florida.
As the bill takes effect from July 1, 2023, Florida joins more than half of the U.S. states that allow permitless carry of concealed weapons. The impact of this legislation remains to be seen, and it is likely to be a highly debated topic in the state and across the nation.
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The bill will provide $60 million for school security improvements
On April 3, 2023, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill into law that allows eligible individuals to carry a gun without a license or training. The legislation, known as "constitutional carry," removes the requirement for a permit and associated fees to carry a concealed weapon in the state of Florida. This bill also includes a provision to allocate $60 million for school security improvements and other safety programs.
The decision to sign this bill has been controversial, with critics arguing that it could make it easier for criminals to obtain and carry guns, potentially endangering Floridians. DeSantis and his supporters, however, maintain that it is a constitutional right to keep and bear arms without government interference. This bill underscores DeSantis's commitment to upholding Second Amendment rights, a stance that has been a significant part of his political platform.
The $60 million allocated for school security improvements is a significant portion of the bill and indicates a recognition of the importance of safe learning environments for students and staff. With this funding, schools will be able to implement enhanced security measures, such as additional personnel, upgraded equipment, and improved infrastructure. These improvements can help create a safer atmosphere and provide much-needed resources to bolster security protocols.
The funds will be distributed to schools across Florida, ensuring that a wide range of educational institutions benefit from enhanced security. This includes elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as colleges and universities. The allocation of funds will be based on factors such as student population, campus size, and specific security needs.
The $60 million investment in school security improvements is a welcome development, demonstrating a commitment to the well-being and safety of Florida's students and educators. By allocating these funds, the state is taking a proactive approach to school safety, enabling schools to implement the necessary measures to protect their communities. This aspect of the bill highlights a broader recognition of the importance of comprehensive safety measures and the need to provide the necessary resources to achieve them.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, on April 3, 2023, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill that allows Floridians to carry concealed guns without a permit.
The bill, HB 543, allows eligible individuals to carry a gun without a license or the payment of a $97 fee. It also provides $60 million for school security improvements and other safety programs.
The response to the bill has been mixed. Some supporters of the bill argue that the previous requirements amounted to asking for "government permission" to exercise a constitutional right. Critics, including Democratic National Committee Chair Jaime Harrison and White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, have blasted DeSantis for signing the legislation, arguing that it could make it easier for criminals to carry guns and increase the risk of gun violence.
