A bill to allow college students to carry concealed weapons on campus took center stage at the Senate Higher Education meeting on Monday, passing through the committee by a vote of 6-3 on party lines.
SB 176, sponsored by Sen. Greg Evers, R-Baker, has already shaped up to be one of the most controversial bills of the 2015 legislative session, bringing psychologists, gun rights activists, students, parents and law enforcement officers voicing their support and concerns over the bill.
The legislation would lift the ban on carrying concealed weapons at state colleges and universities for students 21 and up.
Monday's meeting primarily revolved around a back and forth between supporters and opponents of the legislation.
Committee members heard spirited testimony from Florida State University students, some of whom explained the issue of carrying guns on campus was a top priority for their fellow classmates.
"There is a general frustration by students right now that they're not being heard on this issue," said Harrison DuBosar, an FSU law student and director at the FSU Student Government Association's office of governmental affairs. "This is our No. 1 student concern on campus right now."
Psychologists came to testify against the bill, contending the legislation was dangerous because many college students hadnt reached the developmental maturity required to be responsible with gun possession.
Democratic senators, too, expressed concerns over arming students, questioning whether there was a real need for the legislation when the campus police department is already charged with protecting students.
Sen. Arthenia Joyner, D-Tampa, said she had reservations over allowing guns on campus, saying it could end up being more dangerous than what its worth.
"When it comes to guns on campus, the consequences far outweigh the positives," she explained. "Most students go to college to earn an education ... not the bragging rights to be the next 'Dirty Harry.'"
Some Republican senators, like Sen. Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, repeatedly pointed to a lack of evidence that allowing guns on campus would increase violent incidents. Gaetz asked several members of the public opposed to the bill for evidence backing up their claims that lifting the concealed carry ban would result in increased gun violence.
Sen. Maria Sachs, D-Delray Beach, said educating students in conflict resolution was the right answer to solving issues on college campuses, not arming students.
The most important thing we can do in this state is to make sure people are educated in how to resolve conflicts, she said. I want to see our educators begin the process of peaceful resolution of conflicts, so instead of [having a] state that is armed, we become a state that is educating our young people in the ways of [peaceful] resolution."
The bill passed by a vote of 6-3, with all Republicans supporting the measure. The bills House counterpart, sponsored by Rep. Greg Steube, R-Sarasota, passed through a House subcommittee last week.
Reach Tampa-based reporter Allison Nielsen by email at allison@sunshinestatenews.com or follow her on Twitter: @AllisonNielsen
