The Florida House of Representatives voted on March 25 to repeal HB 759, lowering the age to purchase a firearm.
HB 759, originally passed in 2018, raised the minimum age from 18 to 21 for any Florida citizen who wants to purchase a gun. The bill was introduced to enhance public safety and address concerns about gun violence, particularly in the wake of several mass shootings, including the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting that killed 17 people.
Many argue that increasing the age threshold would help prevent underage individuals from accessing firearms and reduce the incidence of gun-related crimes. Democrat Rep. Robin Bartleman, who supports this argument as well, said this during one of the meetings.
“This minimum age of 21 is constitutional,” Bartleman said. “I want common-sense gun laws.”
Bartleman originally offered an amendment four days prior to HB 759 being repealed that would prohibit anyone younger than 21 from purchasing a gun. However, it was rejected.
The push to repeal JB 759 gained momentum over the past two years, driven by various factors including changing public opinions, new research and political shifts. Others for the repeal argued that the age restriction disproportionately affected young adults who were otherwise responsible and law-abiding citizens. They also pointed out that 18 year olds could be drafted for military service but were denied the right to purchase firearms for self-defense. Republican Rep. Michelle Salzman, who filed the bill to repeal the existing law, stated her reasoning behind this.
“The ability to purchase and utilize a firearm is your constitutional right, and reinstating those rights is the right thing to do for Floridians,” Salzman said. “We must stop infringing on the constitutional rights of law-abiding adults who are old enough to serve in our military and make other significant life decisions.”
The vote to repeal HB 759 represents a significant shift in the state’s approach to gun control. While the decision has sparked debate and raised important questions about public safety, individual rights and regulatory frameworks, it also underlies the dynamic nature of the legislative processes and the ongoing dialogue between policymakers and the communities they serve. A gun control advocacy group, the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, voiced disappointment with the repeal in a recent online statement, arguing that it undermines efforts to prevent gun violence.
“As Florida moves forward with this change, it will be crucial to monitor the impacts and consider any additional measures that may be necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of all Floridians.”
The repealed bill has been received in the Senate and referred to the Rules Committee for further consideration.