Democratic Sen. Arthenia L. Joyner, filed Senate Bill 370 today, which prohibits the sale or transfer of firearms at gun shows.
Mike Murphy, a sergeant in the U.S. Army, expressed that he is against the bill because of rights violations. He shared that the constant increase in regulation of gun ownership is negative.
“All it’s going to do is make it harder for good people to purchase firearms at good prices. As an American citizen you have every right to sell one of your firearms to another individual,” said Murphy.
Shooting tragedies such as the Sandy Hook and Aurora have pushed politicians to create stronger deterrents for gun ownership. Murphy claimed gun control is a “double-edged sword” which can prevent the right people from owning weapons.
Travis Lee Pike, head instructor and teacher for Carrying a Concealed Weapon classes in Perry,Fla., is against the bill as well. Pike called the legislature an “inconvenience” and that it would not stop illegal purchases.
“It will affect how average joes [sic] trade and sell firearms. It will result in gun stores making a lot of money,” said Pike.
Criminals and can still seek out a “straw purchase.” A straw purchase is a federal crime. It allows someone to purchase a gun for someone else who does not want their name associated with it.
Pike also stated that the bill imposes on citizens’ rights.
“A citizen should be able to sell their property without government intrusion,” said Pike.
Andrew Ashburn, 22-year-old firearm enthusiast and student at Tallahassee Community College, said the bill is in opposition of what a gun show offers.
“It kind of defeats the purpose of a gun show and it doesn’t really solve any problems. It will affect turnout of legal gun shows. I think it will also see an increase in the sale of illegal firearms,” said Ashburn.
SB 370 prohibits any form of exchange including trade, offer or delivery unless a gun show vendor is a party to the transaction. Failing to adhere to these rules will result in a third-degree felony.