Jesse Scheckner
A bill that would confer off-duty correctional probation officers (CPOs) abilities provided by a concealed weapons license is ready for Gov. Ron DeSantis’ signature after passing its final hurdle in the Legislature.
Senators voted 33-3 for HB 383. Among other things, the bill would free those off-duty officers from Florida’s mandatory three-day waiting period for handgun purchases.
Like holders of concealed carry permits, CPOs would be able to take immediate possession of a handgun purchased at a store or gun show following the successful completion of a background check.
Under the measure, effective July 1, CPOs could carry concealed weapons during off-duty hours at the discretion of their superior officers. They would also be able to perform “law enforcement functions that they normally perform during duty hours, utilizing their weapons in a manner which is reasonably expected of on-duty officers in similar situations.”
Tampa Republican Sen. Jay Collins, the bill’s upper-chamber sponsor, called the legislation “very straightforward.”
He laid his version of the measure (SB 490) on the table in favor of the House version sponsored by Republican Reps. Mike Giallombardo of Cape Coral and Jeff Holcomb of Spring Hill. All three lawmakers earned decoration for their military service.
Democratic Sens. Rosalind Osgood of Tamarac, Tina Scott Polsky of Boca Raton and Carlos Guillermo Smith of Orlando voted against the bill Monday.
It cleared the House on a unanimous vote April 9.
