Jim Rosica
There were still no definite answers Wednesday on whether the House will consider a Senate-approved change to the state’s Stand Your Ground law.
The Senate bill, backed by state Sen. Rob Bradley, “shifts the burden of proof from the defendant to the prosecution” in pretrial hearings on whether a use of force was justifiable, according to a staff analysis.
Those hearings determine whether a defendant can claim self-defense at trial.
The House version died in the Criminal Justice Subcommittee in November on a 6-6 vote. But the Senate bill passed that chamber last month on a 24-12 vote and was redirected to the House Judiciary Committee, chaired by Jacksonville Republican Charles McBurney.
But the bill wasn’t on the agenda for Thursday, the last scheduled meeting of that committee for the 2016 Legislative Session.
After a Wednesday floor session, McBurney exited the chamber through a side door before reporters could get to him.
Speaker Steve Crisafulli wasn’t able to give any more clarity: “I couldn’t tell you. Chair McBurney has the authority to meet through next week. He’ll be the one to make the decision” to hear the bill.
On Tuesday, he denied reports of pressure from the National Rifle Association to move the bill.
“We are certainly not under pressure,” Crisafulli said. “Members are moving legislation as they see fit.”
