NewsState

Actions

Parkland parent wants ammo background checks

wptv-bullet-.jpg
Posted at 4:42 PM, Jan 22, 2020
and last updated 2020-01-22 16:42:51-05

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.-- A Parkland parent is calling on lawmakers to pass ammo background checks in this legislative session.

Fred Guttenberg pushed for approval of “Jamie’s Law” at the state Capitol, Wednesday afternoon.

Jamie was Fred’s teen daughter— one of 17 killed in the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, two years ago.

Guttenberg has since worked with Democrats to craft the legislation, closing what he calls a gaping loophole.

RELATED: More Parkland coverage

Florida law already forbids those who can’t have a gun from buying ammo— but it doesn’t require a check to verify.

“You can be stealing your weapon in the morning and walking into your local store that afternoon to buy the bullets because nobody is going to check. You can use it that evening to commit a crime," Guttenberg said.

Though the lawmakers have written in ammo check exceptions— such as for those holding a concealed weapon permit— the legislation hasn’t gotten traction.

No House or Senate committee has scheduled either of the bills for discussion.