Senate bill would give college faculty firearms in case of active shooter

FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK) — Florida lawmakers are currently discussing a bill that could change the future of campus safety. Senate Bill 896 proposes providing firearm training to public college and university faculty in preparation for potential active shooter situations on campus.

The bill also introduces new restrictions for gun owners, including the possibility of a second-degree felony charge for firing a gun within 1,000 feet of a campus, with the exceptions of self-defense and permission to use on private property. 

Brianna Martinez, a senior bioengineering student at Florida Gulf Coast University, voiced concerns about the effectiveness of arming teachers.

"Giving teachers firearms doesn't do anything to help prevent it, because regardless of how many students are harmed in an incident like that, it's traumatic. We need to find a way where people still feel like they have the freedom to buy their guns and enjoy hunting and enjoy going to the shooting range with their friends and stuff like that, but have that balance where, you know, we feel safe on our campuses," said Martinez.

Martinez also explained that school shootings is a constant concern for her and her classmates.

"It's kind of sad. We're almost desensitized. I mean, we grew up every day when we were kids, multiple times a year, doing school shooter drills and stuff like that. So it's like we've been preparing for this moment since we were children," said Martinez.

State lawmakers believe the bill could enhance student safety. If passed, this bill would have local sheriff offices provide 144 hours of firearm training to potential guardians. Faculty would also be responsible for creating active shooter response plans, reunification plans following emergencies, and conducting annual security risk assessments.

Other FGCU students expressed their thoughts about the proposal. 

"I personally think that that would make me feel a bit safer. However, I don't know if I'd want to put that pressure on the faculty, n the teachers here, just because not only are you now responsible for yourself, you are responsible for however many people are in your class, you're responsible for their lives, their families. " That's a lot of weight to put on people," said Lucas, a sophomore at FGCU.

The bill has passed through Senate committees but still awaits a vote by the full Florida Senate. After that, the governor would either veto or sign the bill into law.