The Florida Legislature is in session and the debate over warning shots will take center stage in the form of one bill
TALLAHASSEE Floridians could fire warning shots or display a weapon in self defense under a bill approved by the Florida Legislature on Thursday.
The measure, a substantial expansion of the states controversial stand your ground law, now goes to Gov. Rick Scott for his signature. He has not indicated as yet whether he will sign it.
The Senate voted 32-7 to approve it. The House approved the bill on March 20.
The measure says someone can threaten the use of force if that person feels his or her life, home or property were at risk of harm. It also allows people cleared by the courts because they acted in self-defense to petition for their records to be expunged.
In support of expungement, Sen. Charles Dean, R-Inverness, a former sheriff, said an innocent person is innocent. You shouldnt have to defend your name for the rest of your life.
Sen. Chris Smith, a Fort Lauderdale Democrat, spoke against the proposal.
I just dont think its responsible right now to encourage people to fire warning shots, he said. I think it sends the wrong message to Florida.
But Sen. Greg Evers, R-Baker, the bills Senate sponsor, said the measure is about self defense.
The bill stems from the conviction of Marissa Alexander, a Jacksonville woman sentenced to 20 years in prison for firing a warning shot during an incident of alleged domestic violence.
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Florida law to legalize warning shots OK'd by legislators