Florida AG refuses to enforce 2018 bump stocks ban

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 14 Nov, 16:31 · Archive

Florida's attorney general has declared a 2018 law banning bump stocks unconstitutional and said his office will not enforce it.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, recently reappointed by voters, declared a 2018 state law banning bump stocks unconstitutional on Friday and announced his office will no longer enforce it or defend convictions under the statute.

Bump stocks are tools or accessories that increase a gun's rate of fire, often allowing semiautomatic weapons to mimic automatic weapons. The law subjects people to five years in prison for selling or owning them. Uthmeier said the law, as written, is 'overly broad' and restricts the use of trigger enhancements by lawful firearm owners, violating the Second Amendment.

The statute was enacted as part of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act following a deadly shooting at that school. Uthmeier's legal opinion noted that Governor Scott, when signing the act into law, remarked that 'all have to give a little and make a compromise', but wrote that 'the Constitution brooks little compromise when it comes to citizens' fundamental rights'.

Uthmeier's declaration does not eliminate the law itself, only his office's enforcement of it.

How it is being reported

• Florida AG declares 2018 state law to be ‘unconstitutional’Shortly after being reappointed by voters this month, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has declared a 2018 state law to be “unconstitutional.”News4Jax · 14 Nov, 15:50
• Florida AG takes a stand against 2018 bump stocks lawShortly after being reappointed by voters this month, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has declared that his office will no longer enforce a 2018 state law.Clickorlando · 13 Nov, 20:54

In this story: James Uthmeier · Florida · Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School

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