Eskamani Doubles Down on Gun Restrictions, Files Bill to Ban AR-15s

Tallahassee, Fl- Florida House Representative Anna Eskamani (D-Orlando) has filed a bill to ban any future sales of ‘assault weapons’ in Florida.

The Orlando Representative had filed a similar bill last February, which died in the Criminal Justice Subcommittee on Friday, May 5, 2023. 

Representative Eskamani’s new bill is identical to the previous one. 

The bill would ban the sale of ‘assault weapons’ and large magazines in Florida as well as force all owners of such firearms or magazines to register their weapons. Only such registered weapons would be eligible for sale or transferral. 

Eskamani’s bill was filed shortly after reports of a mass shooting in Maine emerged. According to the Associated Press, the shooting suspect, Robert Card, murdered 18 and injured 13 others. 

Card is yet to be apprehended. 

Sharing a CCTV picture of the shooting incident, Eskamani lamented the event via X.

“It doesn’t have to be this way. Only in America do we live in this constant fear of gun violence,” said Eskamani.

 

Florida Democrats have persistently lobbied for stricter gun-control measures. 

Earlier this month, Florida Senator Tina Polsky (D) introduced a flurry of bills that would harden Florida’s gun laws by, among other measures, requiring background checks for ammunition sales. 

Senator Polsky filed Senate Bills 176, 180, and 182 proposing Florida update its criminal liability laws for gun-safety negligence, require background checks for ammunition sales, and ensure confidentiality of ammunition sales, respectively.  

However, Democrat gun-control attempts have been futile, Florida lawmakers have passed laws easing restrictions for firearm sales and purchases. 

Last April, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 543 into law. 

The bill, fortifying the second amendment, eliminates the requirement that an individual obtain a permit to carry a concealed firearm in Florida.