Florida Republican lawmakers have introduced bills aimed at repealing a state law that banned bump stocks, devices that enable semi-automatic firearms to function like fully automatic weapons.
The proposed repeal follows a U.S. Supreme Court ruling last year that overturned a federal regulation banning the devices.
According to state legislative records, Sen. Stan McClain, R-Ocala, filed Senate Bill 1234 this week, mirroring House Bill 6013 , which Rep. Toby Overdorf, R-Palm City, introduced last month.
The original ban was enacted in 2018 as part of a broader gun control measure passed after the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, where 17 people were killed.
The proposed repeal is set to be considered during the legislative session beginning Tuesday. Supporters argue that the Supreme Court’s decision invalidating the federal ban makes Florida’s law unnecessary.
Opponents, however, contend that lifting the restriction could increase the risk of mass shootings.
The 2018 law, which included several gun control measures, was passed in response to one of the deadliest school shootings in U.S. history.
In addition to banning bump stocks, it raised the minimum age to purchase rifles and imposed a waiting period for firearm purchases.
If approved, the repeal would remove the prohibition on bump stocks from Florida statutes. The bills are expected to generate debate among lawmakers as the session progresses.
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