Florida Senate Passes Bill To Allow Guns During Evacuations

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TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami/AP) – The Florida Senate passed a bill which would allow gun owners without a concealed weapon permit to take their guns during emergency evacuations.

The bill (SB 290) passed on a 29-10 vote Tuesday, with only Democrats opposing it.

It allows people to carry a concealed gun without a permit if they are subject to a mandatory evacuation during a hurricane or other emergency. There would be a 48-hour time limit for the exception.

Opponents argued that hurricane shelters are chaotic and stressful, and someone without training and a legal permit shouldn't be allowed to take a gun into one.

But supporters said the bill will save lives, not endanger them. Some pointed to looting in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina as a reason the bill is needed.

(TM and © Copyright 2015 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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