TALLAHASSEE — In a bid to enhance campus safety across Florida’s higher education institutions, legislators are advancing a bill inspired by past tragedies. With a focus on preventing future incidents, the legislation draws lessons from previous school security enhancements.
The House Judiciary Committee voted in favor of the proposal, which echoes measures implemented after the 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland. A pivotal aspect of the bill is the option for educational institutions to appoint armed “school guardians” among trained college and university employees.
Rep. Kevin Chambliss, D-Homestead, emphasized the importance of readiness, sharing a personal connection to a past campus shooting during his time at Northern Illinois University. “It can happen anywhere, at anytime,” Chambliss stated.
Key Provisions of the Bill
The bill, introduced by Rep. Michelle Salzman, R-Pensacola, includes several measures aimed at campus safety:
- Permitting colleges and universities to opt into the guardian program, enabling trained staff with concealed-weapons licenses to carry firearms on campus.
- Mandating institutions to develop comprehensive “active assailant response” strategies, including campus-wide alert systems and annual training for faculty, staff, and students. Additionally, “family reunification” plans must be established to assist in reconnecting individuals during closures or evacuations.
- Conducting yearly security risk evaluations at all colleges and universities.
- Forming “threat management teams” to address and mitigate potential risks posed by student behaviors.
- Introducing a second-degree felony for discharging firearms within 1,000 feet of school premises during operational hours or events, barring exceptions such as self-defense.
Rep. Salzman highlighted the urgency of the matter, citing the April 17 incident involving FSU student Phoenix Ikner, who is facing trial for a deadly shooting at Florida State University. “This was really borne out of a horrible tragedy in Parkland,” added Rep. Mike Gottlieb, D-Davie.
As the bill progresses, it requires approval from two additional committees before reaching the full House. A parallel bill (SB 896) has been introduced in the Senate by Sen. Don Gaetz, R-Niceville.
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