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Bill Making Changes To Florida's 10-20-Life Law Passes First House Panel

A bill aimed at eliminating the unintended consequences of Florida’s 10-20-Life law in self-defense claims unanimously passed its first House panel Wednesday.

Rep. Neil Combee (R-Polk City) says his measure removes 10-20-Life as a penalty for aggravated assault cases, such as threatening a person with a gun.

“Although it’s very few cases, in recent years, people have been convicted of crimes such as aggravated assault for threatening to use force and have been sentenced to mandatory minimum sentences of 20 years in prison. These cases, I believe, fell out of the legislative intent behind this law. It has the support of the Florida Sheriffs Association, the Florida Police Chiefs Association, Florida Prosecuting Attorneys Association,” said Combee, speakinig before the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee Wednesday.

Combee’s bill also has the backing of the National Rifle Association and Families Against Mandatory Minimums. Its Senate companion has one more stop before heading to the floor.

For more news updates, follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter: @SaschaCordner.

Sascha Cordner has more than ten years of public radio experience. It includes working at NPR member station WUFT-FM in Gainesville for several years. She's worked in both radio and TV, serving in various capacities as a reporter, producer and anchor. She's also a graduate of the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in telecommunications. She is the recipient of 15 awards from the Associated Press, Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), and Edward R. Murrow. Her award-winning stories include her coverage on the infamous “Dozier School for Boys” and a feature titled "Male Breast Cancer: Lost in the Sea of Pink." Currently, Sascha serves as the host and producer of local and state news content for the afternoon news program "All Things Considered" at WFSU. Sascha primarily covers criminal justice and social services issues. When she's not reporting, Sascha likes catching up on her favorite TV shows, singing and reading. Follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter:@SaschaCordner.