State News

Parkland Aftermath: Florida Lawmakers, Activists Say 'No More' To School Shootings

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

Sean Shaw Promises To Create Gun Violence Task Force If Elected

WFSU | By Ryan Dailey

Published August 9, 2018 at 5:31 PM EDT

Democratic Attorney General candidate Sean Shaw is promising if elected he’ll create a task force to deal with gun violence.

Shaw says its members would come from a range of fields like state and local government, law enforcement, education and mental health organizations. He has already prioritized issues for the task force to address.

"We need a collaborative approach to addressing complex issues like Stand Your Ground, background checks, 3D printing of guns, reforming the concealed carry permitting process, local preemption laws, and the rise in deadly school shootings," Shaw told reporters Thursday.

If the task force comes to fruition, Shaw says he will use its recommendations to call for legislation and regulations during the 2019 Legislative Session.