A Niceville Republican wants people to be protected when worshipping.
Legislation filed this week by Sen. Don Gaetz would relax requirements for people providing security for churches, synagogues, and mosques.
SB 52[1] would apply to those packing heat on a “voluntary basis” and “without compensation,” offering exceptions to state Statute 493.6102[2], which governs private security services.
The following conditions would have to be met.
Security plans would have to be approved ahead of time by the county sheriff. In other words, there couldn’t be an ad hoc decision to do this.
Security volunteers would have to pass level two background checks and hold a concealed weapon permit. While open carry is the law of the state after a judicial ruling that was affirmed by Attorney General James Uthmeier, it would not suffice in this case.
Additionally, security services would be “provided exclusively on the premises of the church, mosque, synagogue, or other place of worship, including any property owned or leased by the religious institution for worship, education, or religious activities.”
Volunteers would not be paid, as mentioned above.
But they would be compensated for “reasonable expenses” related to the cost of training.
The legislation as drafted does not drill down into what those expense are, however.
A House companion has yet to be filed for this bill that would become law in July if it makes it through the process.
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