Lawmaker wants to allow those with concealed-weapons licenses to carry guns on college campuses

SARASOTA (WWSB) - In a move that could refuel a long-running debate, legislation has one again been proposed that would allow people with concealed-weapons licenses to carry guns on college and university campuses.

Freshman Republican Representative Anthony Sabatini from Lake County is sponsoring the bill for consideration during the 2019 legislative session, which starts March 5th. Under current law, people are barred from carrying guns on college and university campuses. Sabatini says that law makes no sense.

"If you take responsible people and allow them to exercise the Second Amendment for their own self defense, you are going to find that you can make public places a little bit safer. You just have to get past the rhetoric about guns being scary," Sabatini argued.

Gun-rights supporters have lobbied the Legislature in the past to end the prohibition for people with concealed-weapons licenses. But the proposals have died year after year amid heavy opposition from many higher-education officials and other opponents of the idea.

"Allow people who want to defend themselves, and who have permits to carry guns, to go onto a campus of higher education. So, that's what it is. I think gun-free zones are arbitrary. I think they are irrational, and I think there is no evidence to support them," Sabatini said.

“The common occurrence is going to be a mass shooter or a crazed person coming onto a campus because it’s a gun-free zone. It would take an enormous amount of time for police or security to respond. So, this is an opportunity for veterans or permit-holders who happen to be carrying that day, to be able to defend themselves.”