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Thousands of people support students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in a rally for gun control at the Florida capitol (2/21/18).The Florida legislature is poised to pass some of the most sweeping gun control and mental health reforms in more than 20 years. The moves come as lawmakers face pressure from students affected by the Valentine's Day shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.On Valentine's Day, a 19-year-old in Parkland opened fire on his former classmates at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. He killed 14 students, three adults, and injured 14 others. There were warning signs, yet, all, including a tip to the FBI, were missed.That day, school safety measures in place, like school resource officers, restricted access and fencing--all failed.In the wake of the shooting, students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas have mobilized, calling on the legislature to take greater action to prevent school and mass shootings. Lawmakers, it seems, are finally listening.https://youtu.be/6PRPEfu7WPg

Florida Congressman DeSantis on NRA Lawsuit: Age Requirement ‘Problematic’ In New Gun Law

 Congressman Ron DeSantis (R-FL) on "The Ingraham File" discussing Florida's new gun restrictions. 3/09/18
FOX News

The National Rifle Association is suing the state over newly approved gun restrictions that mandate a three-day waiting period for gun purchases and raise the buying age from 18 to 21 for most people. At least one GOP congressman and state gubernatorial hopeful thinks it was the wrong move.The lawsuit came down almost immediately after Governor Rick Scott signed off on the restrictions Friday. Speaking on Fox News shortly after, Republican Congressman and Florida gubernatorial candidate Ron DeSantis called the increased age limit 'problematic'.

“We wouldn’t say if you're 18 to 20 you don’t have a 4th Amendment right and police can search your house without a warrant; We wouldn’t say they can seize your property without just compensation and the 5th Amendment doesn’t apply. So I think that provision is problematic," he said onThe Ingraham Angle.

DeSantis says he believes the NRA will win its suit, but did not say whether he would have signed the bill.

Lawmakers did not ban assault weapons, as was the hope of many student activists in the wake of a February school shooting in Parkland, Florida where 17 people died and a similar number were injured. But the new law does mark the first time in more than 20 years the Florida legislature approved gun restrictions.

The bill also provides more money for school safety, hiring additional school resource officers, designating some non-classroom personnel as 'guardians' who can carry guns and extra dollars for mental health.

Follow @HatterLynn

Lynn Hatter is a Florida A&M University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. Lynn has served as reporter/producer for WFSU since 2007 with education and health care issues as her key coverage areas.  She is an award-winning member of the Capital Press Corps and has participated in the NPR Kaiser Health News Reporting Partnership and NPR Education Initiative. 

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