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Vote gives gun rights advocates a victory

A bill that would keep concealed weapons permits from becoming public record still needs Gov. Jeb Bush's approval.

By ALEX LEARY
Published May 5, 2006

TALLAHASSEE - Concealed weapon carriers may soon enjoy deeper secrecy after lawmakers gave final approval Thursday to a bill that would hide permits from public view.

Gun rights advocates and bill sponsors say the move, which still needs Gov. Jeb Bush's approval, is necessary to prevent misuse of information by the media and people who would harm weapon holders.

But backers of the state's open records law say those fears are greatly exaggerated and insist the public has a right to know who is carrying a gun.

"It makes a mockery of the constitutional right of access," said Barbara Petersen, president of the First Amendment Foundation in Tallahassee.

Equally important, she said, the bill would prevent the public from checking whether the government is following the law in issuing a permit. A felon, for example, is not allowed to carry a gun unless his civil and firearm rights have been restored.

The bill (HB 687) was filed by Rep. Sandy Adams, R-Orlando, after a television station put a list of permit holders on its Web site. Adams said a woman who had been targeted by a stalker and got a weapon to protect herself was worried she could be found.

The Senate unanimously approved the same language Thursday. It includes an exception for law enforcement to obtain the information under certain circumstances.

Marion Hammer, lobbyist for the National Rifle Association, made the bill one of her legislative priorities for the session, blaming the media for "abusing the privilege of access to records."

The NRA has scored other victories this year, including a bill requiring gun and bait shops to offer customers voter registration material. But the NRA's major goal - a bill prohibiting employers from banning weapons in locked cars in parking lots - is still hanging. The legislative session is scheduled to end today.

[Last modified May 5, 2006, 02:30:26]