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CS/CS/SB 290 — Carrying a Concealed Weapon or a Concealed Firearm
by Rules Committee; Criminal Justice Committee; and Senators Brandes, Bradley, Evers, Negron, and Stargel
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Criminal Justice Committee (CJ)
The bill creates an exception to s. 790.01, F.S., the statute that prohibits carrying concealed weapons or firearms, unless a person is licensed. If the weapon is a self-defense chemical spray or nonlethal stun gun or similar device designed for defensive purposes, a person may carry it concealed without a license.
The exception provided in the bill allows a person to carry a concealed weapon or firearm on or about his or her person, regardless of licensure status, while in the act of complying with a mandatory evacuation order. The order must be issued during a state of emergency declared by the Governor pursuant to ch. 252, F.S., or declared by a local authority pursuant to ch. 870, F.S. In order to carry a firearm the person must be lawfully able to possess the firearm.
The bill defines the term “in the act of evacuating” as the immediate and urgent movement of a person away from the evacuation zone within 48 hours after a mandatory evacuation is ordered. It provides that the 48 hours may be extended by an order issued by the Governor.
If approved by the Governor, these provisions take effect upon becoming law.
Vote: Senate 29-10; House 86-26