Florida Democrat’s gun bill requires licensed sales, background checks

A Florida lawmaker has proposed a new gun law that would close gun show loopholes and require unlicensed dealers to do background checks.

Rep. Margaret Good (D-Fla) of Florida’s 72nd Congressional District has filed a new bill in the Florida House of Representatives to require all sales or transfers of firearms be conducted through a licensed firearm dealer and anyone involved in the sale or transfer be subject to background checks.

“I keep my gun for myself and my family to keep them safe from those who don’t follow the law,” Corey Westrem said.

Westrem likes his guns, and he chooses to buy guns from a licensed dealer, which requires him to go through background checks.

However, in a private sale, a background check is not required, something many people consider to be a loophole.

Good aims to change that with the HB 451: Weapons and Firearms.

“We have a responsibility to our communities to close this dangerous loophole to make sure criminals are not purchasing guns without a background check,” Good told WINK News on the phone.

WHAT THE BILL WOULD REQUIRE

• Background checks on every gun sale
• Only licensed dealers can sell weapons
• All sales must be reported to the attorney’s general office

The majority Republican state legislature likely opposes the measures in HB 451. And state republicans have already filed four pro-gun bills ahead of 2020 legislative session. ‘

We reached out to the NRA for comment on the legislation but have not received a response at this time.

Despite what she may be up against in the state, Good is confident in the bill she has filed.

“When 96 percent of Floridians support requiring background checks for gun purchases, I would hope they would listen to their constituents,” Good said.

That percentage is from a poll taken after the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland. A new poll from UNF said only 14 percent of Florida Democrats and 3 percent of Florida Republicans think gun policy is the most important issue facing the country.

Manager Jon Dezendorf of Fowler Firearms & Gun Range doesn’t think more checks alone are the answer.

“As a whole, there’s never going to be a complete background check until you’re cross referencing mental history with criminal history,” Dezendorf said. “And until that is done, you are never going to have a thorough background check.”