House votes to let lawmakers carry guns on chamber floors

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) – Florida lawmakers would be able to carry guns on their chamber’s floor and in meetings under changes made to a bill that would allow licensed gun owners to openly carry their weapons.

The amendment was approved late Tuesday on a 72-43 vote while the House was taking questions about the proposed open carry legislation.

Lawmakers would have to conceal their weapons under the language. The amendment was proposed by Republican Rep. John Wood of Winter Haven.

The bill (HB 163) will come up for a full vote Wednesday.

Earlier, Republicans voted down amendments proposed by Democrats that would prohibit openly carrying guns near schools, churches, movie theaters and in bars.

If passed by the House, the bill would still need Senate approval.