Florida bill allowing unlicensed volunteer armed security at places of worship heads to governor

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. —

A proposal that offers a licensing exemption for volunteers who provide armed security at churches, mosques and synagogues is headed to Gov. Ron DeSantis.

The House voted 111-1 on the measure (SB 52) that allows individuals providing armed security at places of worship to be exempt from acquiring a professional security license. Rep. Christine Hunschofsky, D-Parkland, opposed.

Hunschofsky was the Mayor of Parkland in 2018 when a gunman killed 17 people, including 14 students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

“The purpose of the bill is simply to improve safety for congregations, reduce financial burdens on churches and provide clear statutory authority so these volunteers operate responsibly,” said Inverness Republican Rep. J.J. Grow, the sponsor of the House version of the bill.

The Senate unanimously approved the measure on Feb. 11.

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