NRA Backs Delay of Open Toting of Guns in Florida
A blitz of negative publicity and police complaints prompted the National Rifle Assn. and other supporters of Florida’s new gun law to agree Friday to seek a delay in the section allowing pistols to be carried openly.
The gun law took effect Thursday, instituting a statewide system for concealed weapons permits, but also allowing Floridians to carry handguns in plain view without any permit.
Police, especially in urban South Florida, said they were worried that armed people would turn routine fender-benders into shoot-outs.
State Rep. Ron Johnson, author of the original legislation, said Friday he had filed a revision bill to counter “misinformation” about the effects of the gun law. The NRA had defended the law as a right to bear arms.
State Atty. Gen. Bob Butterworth praised the move, which would postpone implementation of the “open carry” provision until next spring’s regular legislative session.
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