A bill has been filed in Florida to expand the State’s narrow open carry rules.
State Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Shalimar) has filed HB 163, a bill which would allow a person licensed to carry a concealed firearm or weapon to “also openly carry such firearm or weapon.” Gaetz represents District 4 in the Florida House of Representatives and chairs the House Finance & Tax Committee.
In a Facebook post in July, Gaetz wrote, “Texas recently made the change and it’s time we change too. Share if you believe in protecting our 2nd Amendment freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution.”
HB 163 would allow a concealed carrier to also open carry a firearm, chemical spray, or stun gun.
Further, the bill affirms: “The Legislature finds as a matter of public policy and fact that the possession and carrying of weapons and firearms by law-abiding individuals for lawful purposes, including self-defense, enhances public safety….”
Law Shield hopes that HB 163 gains support in the Florida legislature.
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