Two Democratic lawmakers have waded into new legislation to keep guns away from children in the Sunshine State.
Sen. Lauren Book, D-Plantation, filed a bill Monday which would increase penalties for adults who leave firearms within easy access of a minor.
If passed, the bill, SB 648, would ramp up the penalties for those who brandish their weapons near school properties and would also create criminal penalties for adults who fail to store their gun properly if a child finds and exhibits the firearm in public.
Guns wouldn't be the only "dangerous weapons" included in Book's proposal. Swords, razor blades, box cutters and pocketknives would also be considered prohibited weapons within a 1,000 foot radius of a public school.
Those who possess the weapons during school time would be charged with a second degree felony, punishable by 15 years in prison or a $10,000 fine.
Those who leave their loaded firearms within reach of a child would be charged with a first degree misdemeanor. If that firearm is discharged by a minor, that person would be charged with a third degree felony.
Book said the legislation was aimed at keeping children out of harm's way.
"All children deserve to be kept safe,” Book said. "One of the most basic and straightforward ways we can ensure child safety is by keeping firearms out of the hands of children and away from school property."
Rep. Joe Geller, D-Aventura, who filed the House companion legislation, said the legislation would make sure gun owners were responsible with their firearms.
"There's no excuse for brandishing a firearm at a school," said Geller. "Neither is there any reason for allowing a minor access to a firearm because it isn’t stored in a secure manner. These commonsense gun safety reforms ensure that our students are protected and that those who threaten their safety are punished."
To see the full bill text, click here.
Reach reporter Allison Nielsen by email at allison@sunshinestatenews.com or follow her on Twitter: @AllisonNielsen.
