State Senate Approves "Warning Shot" Bill
TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami/AP) — By a vote of 32-7, the state Senate passed the so-called 'warning shot' bill.
Sponsored by Sen. Greg Evers, a Republican from Pensacola, the bill has garnered attention due to the Marissa Alexander case in Jacksonville. Alexander is out on bail and awaiting a new trial after originally being sentenced to 20 years in prison for firing a gun near her estranged husband during an altercation.
The new bill addresses the "10-20-Life" sentencing law in self-defense cases. Passed in 1999, the "10-20-Life" law requires lengthy sentences for specific felony firearm convictions. Supporters say it wasn't intended to be used in self-defense cases.
Opponents of the proposed changes worry they will encourage more people to fire shots.
The bill now heads to Gov. Rick Scott to be signed into law.
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