State House To Take Up "Warning Shot" Bill
TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami/AP) — The Florida House will take up a so-called 'warning shot' bill on Thursday which would allow people to fire a warning shot instead of retreating when threatened with death or bodily harm.
The bill (HB 89) addresses "10-20-life" in self-defense cases. The 10-20-life law requires lengthy sentences for specific felony firearm convictions.
The legislation was partially inspired by the case of Marissa Alexander. The Jacksonville woman was sentenced to 20 years in prison after firing a shot at her estranged husband. An appeals court has ordered her to have a new trial.
Legislators on Wednesday made a change that would allow a person who successfully uses a "stand your ground" defense to petition to have records related to the arrest expunged.
The accompanying Senate bill will also be on the floor Thursday.
(TM and © Copyright 2014 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2014 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 This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.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.)