State representative proposes bill to allow guns on college campuses

Author: Christina Lusby
Published: Updated:

LEE COUNTY, Fla.- Guns could soon find their way into college classrooms and on campuses in Florida. Republican Rep. Greg Steube of Sarasota filed a bill Monday to allow it.

Final exams are now underway at Florida Gulf Coast University but students are finding one more thing on their mind. Are they comfortable taking an exam next to a peer who is licensed to carry and has a concealed gun?

“I would actually feel more concerned that there are or knowing people have guns on campus,” said FGCU senior Ronica Elmi.

“As long as they keep up their training and keep their license updated, I don’t see any problem with it,” said student Scott Zagurny.

Steube wants to put the debate to rest in the State of Florida. His proposed bill would change the language of the state’s concealed carry law.

“I think if these weren’t gun free zones, I think a lot of these people who are looking for a place to go and cause chaos probably wouldn’t pick campuses because they know there would be law abiding people there carrying,” said Steube.

The bill would allow permit holding students to carry guns on state campuses and into the classroom.

In the State of Florida, you have to be 21 to get a concealed carry permit and you must go through training and get a background check.

“In my opinion we have stripped our constitutional and inherent rights to self defense at the doors of our college and universities,” said Steube.

Some students disagree with the possibility of allowing guns on campus.

“I don’t believe that students should bring fire arms to a university,” said Kevin Bedson. “I think that would solve a lot of the school shooting problems, you know, don’t let guns on campus.”

The bill is currently only a proposal. It must first be heard and passed by committees before going to the House in March.

Copyright ©2024 Fort Myers Broadcasting. All rights reserved.

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without prior written consent.