Breaking: FL Gov. makes change to firearm laws with exceptions for military and LEOs

Florida Governor Rick Scott has seemingly broken ranks in favor of more gun control, giving public support on a state measure that would raise the purchasing age to 21 for all forms of firearms.

Speaking on the matter on Friday, Scott announced the proposal- a stark break away from his general policy alignment with pro-gun rights organizations.

“I’m an NRA member, a supporter of the Second Amendment, and the First Amendment, and the entire Bill of Rights for that matter. I’m also a father, and a grandfather, and a governor,” he said. “We all have a difficult task in front of us balancing our individual rights with our obvious need for public safety.”

According to the Washington Post, the measure would provide exceptions allowing active duty and reserve military and spouses, National Guard members, and law enforcement over the age of 18 to own a gun.

While the purchase age for handguns is 21 years of age, most US states allow the sales of long guns -which range from rifles to shotguns, respectively- once an individual reaches the age of 18.

Scott is facing opposition from the National Rifle Association, who feel the proposal infringes upon the rights of some legal adults.

“Passing a law that makes it illegal for a 20-year-old to purchase a shotgun for hunting or an adult single mother from purchasing the most effective self-defense rifle on the market punishes law-abiding citizens for the evil acts of criminals,” said NRA spokeswoman Jennifer Baker in a statement.

In addition to the gun control proposal, Scott has also called for the bolstering of security at schools, making them less of a “soft target” for would-be shooters.

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