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State representative seeks to close open-carry loophole for government meetings
Summary
Representative Christine Hunschofsky told Broward commissioners she will pursue legislation to clarify where firearms may not be carried, arguing a change after open-carry rules created gaps in government meeting protections.
State Representative Christine Hunschofsky told the Broward County legislative delegation she plans to seek statutory changes to close what she described as an unintended loophole in Florida—s public-safety statute created after open-carry rules were adopted.
Hunschofsky said the original statutory protections covered a "handgun or a concealed firearm" but that allowing open carry left other firearms outside those protected-place rules. "All I'm trying to do with the bill I have is to go back to what we had prior, that those protected spaces not only include what's in statute, a handgun or a concealed weapon, but that they also include, any firearm or weapon," she said.
Why it matters: Hunschofsky and other members said the change would clarify that government meetings and other protected places remain weapon-free spaces regardless of concealment or the method of carry. She acknowledged political realities and said she expected difficulty getting a hearing but urged the delegation to support clarifying language.
Details: Hunschofsky described the policy as a restoration of the prior intent that government meetings be weapon-free and said the bill would allow private-property owners to set their own rules but would clarify statutory protections for public meetings and facilities.
Ending: The representative said she will pursue the bill and invited local officials to share concerns and examples to inform drafting.
