AGENDA ITEM REPORT
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A RESOLUTION CALLING ON THE STATE OF FLORIDA, GOVERNOR RICK SCOTT, THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, AND PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP TO REDUCE GUN VIOLENCE IN THE UNITED STATES BY BANNING MILITARY-STYLE WEAPONS AND HIGH CAPACITY MAGAZINES; REQUIRING BACKGROUND CHECKS FOR EVERY FIREARM SALE; RAISING THE AGE FOR LEGAL PURCHASE OF FIREARMS, MAGAZINES, AND AMMUNITION TO 21; AND SUPPORTING THE PASSAGE OF COMPREHENSIVE GUN LAWS. (ADDENDUM)
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BACKGROUND:
On February 14, 2018, a mass shooting occurred at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, killing seventeen (17) students, teachers, and coaches, and wounding fourteen (14) others. The attacker used a powerful military-style weapon known as an AR-15 to commit the horrific crimes. The City of Coconut Creek grieves with its neighboring City of Parkland and demands action by those with the power to effect change.
DISCUSSION:
Pursuant to Section 790.33, Florida Statutes, the subject of firearm regulation is preempted to the State of Florida; therefore, the City is powerless to enact any local laws that seek to prevent future tragedies like the one that occurred at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School last week. The City urges the Governor and the State Legislature, as well as the President and the Federal Government, to pass comprehensive gun control laws to address the ever-growing issue of gun violence in Florida and the United States. For starters, the City urges support for a ban on assault weapons (military-style weapons) and high-capacity magazines, background checks on all firearm sales, and raising the legal age to purchase firearms to 21 years old. To the extent that certain Federal Legislation and pending State Senate/House bills support those concepts, the City urges passage of same. Last, the City would like to see Section 790.33, Fla. Stat., amended to repeal the prohibitions and penalties upon local government leaders, which cause a chilling effect and stymies the gun c...
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