Ana Ceballos
The Republican-controlled Florida House on Wednesday passed a measure that would make it easier for individuals suspected in a disorderly conduct case to get their seized guns back.
Under state law, a law enforcement officer has to take away the firearm found on a person who is arrested in a disorderly conduct cases, including domestic violence. If charges are dismissed or a person is acquitted of a crime, they would be entitled to have their firearms back.
Republican state Rep. Cord Byrd wants to repeal that provision, which would no longer ban an officer from returning a firearm to an individual if their gun was impounded during a disorderly conduct arrest or under a search warrant. With an 88-24 vote, the House agreed to push through that proposal.
State Rep. Joseph Geller raised concerned about the bill, arguing that without some kind of judicial review it could be a public safety issue.
“I think there are some risky consequences into immediately returning these weapons into what could be dangerous situations,” Geller said.
While the measure quickly shot through the House, there is no companion bill in the Senate.
