A new bill introduced today by Senator Lauren Polsky is aiming to strengthen Florida’s firearms laws with a series of proposed amendments to the state’s statutes. The bill, which addresses issues related to firearms, bump-fire stocks, and sentencing guidelines, seeks to redefine key terms and impose stricter penalties for firearm-related offenses.
One of the primary changes outlined in the bill is a revision to the definition of “machine gun.” The new language would expand this definition to include firearms that are modified to mimic automatic fire, such as those equipped with bump-fire stocks. The bill also adjusts the severity of offenses involving these devices, ranking them as Level 5 offenses in the Florida Criminal Punishment Code.
Along with these changes, the bill proposes updates to the Criminal Punishment Code to incorporate the revised definition of “machine gun,” which would affect minimum sentencing requirements for offenses involving firearms, including assault or battery of law enforcement officers. The legislation also mandates consecutive minimum sentences for those convicted of multiple firearm-related felonies, ensuring longer prison terms for repeat offenders.
In addition to firearm-related offenses, the bill outlines more detailed sentencing guidelines, including specific multipliers for crimes like drug trafficking, gang-related offenses, and violent crimes against justice system personnel. The legislation also targets domestic violence incidents involving children and certain sex offenses, with harsher penalties for those crimes when committed in conjunction with firearm possession.
The bill is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2025, if passed.
