Panhandle, FL– A debate has emerged over House Bill 31, a contentious piece of legislation introduced on Monday in the Florida Panhandle.
A new proposal from Dr. Joel Rudman, a family medicine doctor and Navarre Republican candidate for Congress, aims to eliminate the state’s red flag law that permits the removal of firearms from individuals considered dangerous. Additionally, it seeks to permit open carry of guns in locations such as university campuses. It suggests major updates to gun laws across the state.
Backers celebrate a victory for liberty, whereas opponents caution it could lead to chaos.
HB 31 is an extensive plan that aims to:
- Allow open carry of any otherwise legal firearm or electric weapon.
- Repeal the red flag law implemented after the 2018 Parkland school shooting.
- Revise the list of places where firearms are currently prohibited.
- Repeal provisions for risk protection orders, licensing fees for concealed weapons, and restrictions on firearm possession in vehicles near schools.
In a press release, Rudman presented the bill as a safeguard for constitutional rights. Rudman shared with CBS12 News reporter Katie Bente that he is keeping a commitment to the people of Florida.
“The people of Florida, they were promised a constitutional carry bill a couple years ago. They got something that was more along the lines of permitless concealed carry. I’m just giving the people what they want,” Rudman said.
However, opinions vary.
John Kazanjian, president of the Palm Beach County Police Benevolent Association, is criticizing the proposal to eliminate the red flag law, emphasizing its importance for public safety.
The red flag law, included in the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act, was enacted three weeks following the tragic shooting that resulted in 17 fatalities. Law enforcement and family members can request judges to temporarily take away firearms from individuals considered dangerous.
“We need those tools. God forbid that gets taken away, and we’re not going to have the capability to red-flag these people and take their guns. God forbid they commit some type of violence. So no, you can’t touch that. No way,” Kazanjian said.
Rudman suggests prioritizing mental health care.
“If they have mental issues or problems where you are literally afraid for your life, the answer isn’t to come deprive them of their Second Amendment rights. The answer is to put that person in a mental hospital,” Rudman said.
Kazanjian is opposing Rudman’s proposal to permit open carry in areas such as college campuses and polling places, where firearms are presently prohibited.
He describes the proposal as careless.
“Come on, let’s use our heads. I mean, we don’t want people walking around colleges, Publix, and other private entities with open carry,” Kazanjian said. “I’m not going to sugarcoat it. This bill just needs to go away—and real quick.”
Rudman is set to step down in January to concentrate on his congressional campaign. He remains optimistic about the bill’s progress, noting that other legislators have shown interest in supporting it once he departs from his position.
Opponents, nonetheless, assert that they will oppose this legislation at every turn.