Florida Urgent Alert! 2 MORE Pro-Gun Bills in Committee TOMORROW Wednesday 3/4/15

DATE:   March 3,  2015
TO:        USF & NRA Member and Friends
FROM:   Marion P. Hammer
               USF Executive Director
               NRA Past President

THE FIRST BILL: HB-493, Firearms/Emergency Evacuation by Representative Heather Fitzenhagen (R-Ft. Myers) is scheduled to be heard in the House Criminal Justice Committee on Wednesday, March 4, 2015, at 9:00 AM.

HB-493 is a bill to protect citizens from being disarmed and charged with a crime for carrying a weapon or firearm during a mandatory evacuation ordered by the Governor or local government during a declared state of emergency. 

WHY DO WE NEED HB-493?

When you're ordered under a mandatory evacuation to take your family, pets and important documents and leave your home and other belongings behind, you should be not be deprived of the ability to protect yourself and your family.  You should not be denied the right to take your firearms with you rather than leave them behind for looters.  This bill is especially important for law-abiding people in a state that is prone to evacuations due to hurricanes. This bill is about your safety and the safety of your family.  Read the bill here:  HB-493 Firearms - Mandatory Evacuation


THE SECOND BILL: HB-4023 by Representative Neil Combee (R-Auburndale) is scheduled to be heard in the House Criminal Justice Committee on  Wednesday, March 4, 2015, at 9:00 AM.


HB-4023 is a bill to repeal the ban of slungshots.  These are common self-defense tools -- often used as key rings.  Read the bill here: HB-4023 to Repeal Slungshot Ban

WHY DO WE NEED HB-4023?

Many have never heard of a slungshot. A slungshot is a maritime tool consisting of a heavy weight at the end of a rope that was used to throw a rope from one ship to another or from a ship to land.  

Today, slungshots are made as key rings and personal self-defense items that are designed to be carried in a purse or pocket.  It is merely a self-defense tool.

They are made and sold at craft shows, gun shows, online and at flea markets as self-defense tools for women who can't afford a gun or are too young to get a license to carry a gun for self protection.

This law is arcane and needs to be repealed.  Rather than legislating against objects used for self-defense, we should enforce laws against bad behavior.

Please EMAIL Committee members IMMEDIATELY and ask them to SUPPORT HB-493 & HB-4023

IN THE SUBJECT LINE PUT:  SUPPORT HB-493 & HB-4023 on the HCJ Agenda Wednesday

(To send your message to all just Block and Copy All email addresses into the "Send To" box)

carlos.trujillo@myfloridahouse.gov,
charles.vanzant@myfloridahouse.gov,
dennis.baxley@myfloridahouse.gov,
Jay.Fant@myfloridahouse.gov,
gayle.harrell@myfloridahouse.gov,
Chris.Latvala@myfloridahouse.gov,
ray.pilon@myfloridahouse.gov,
Scott.Plakon@myfloridahouse.gov,
Ross.Spano@myfloridahouse.gov,
Randolph.Bracy@myfloridahouse.gov
Dave.Kerner@myfloridahouse.gov,
Sharon.Pritchett@myfloridahouse.gov,
Clovis.Watson@myfloridahouse.gov

Committee members need to hear from you.  Please email Committee Members today.