Florida GOP Bill Would Lower Gun Purchase Age To 18

Florida Politics reports:

The House gave a second reading to a bill (HB 1223) that would reverse gun control rules enacted after the Parkland shooting by lowering the minimum age to buy a gun from 21 to 18.

Aponsor Rep. Bobby Payne, a Palatka Republican, argued that banning 18-year-olds from buying shotguns and rifles was unconstitutional since those teenagers can be charged as adults with felonies, sign contracts or join the military.

“I’m doing this for the protection of those who are 18 to 21 years old, and those in rural areas like my area that like to use rifles and long guns,” Payne said.

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Payne failed with a similar bill last year.

“A bill, which would lower the minimum age to buy certain guns in Florida from 21 to 18, has moved forward in the Legislature.”

“The House Judiciary Committee favored HB 1223 by a 15-to-6 vote on Wednesday.” https://t.co/9hEQoujFyt pic.twitter.com/lAl874FUoe

— Carlos Guillermo Smith (@CarlosGSmith) February 25, 2024

After the horrific mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida lawmakers raised the age to purchase a rifle from 18 to 21. Now, just a week after the six-year-mark of the shooting, they’re attempting to lower it back to 18.https://t.co/nVWxNE0GDk

— Everytown (@Everytown) February 21, 2024