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From March 14, 2008
The big issue for the business community this week was the re-emergence of the “guns in the workplace” bill. HB 503 Relating to the Preservation and Protection of the Right to Keep and Bear Arms in Motor Vehicles Act of 2008 by Representative Greg Evers (R-Milton) was passed on Wednesday, March 12th by the House Environment & Natural Resources Council. The bill is now ready to be considered on the floor of the House. HB 503 provides that no public or private entity may prohibit any customer, employee or invitee from possessing any legally owned firearm locked inside, or locked to, a private motor vehicle in a parking lot if the person is lawfully in such area. The bill treats employees differently than customers or other invitees. Employees are only permitted to bring properly secured firearms to the employer’s parking lot if they possess a valid permit to carry a concealed weapon issued by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Associated Industries of Florida continues to oppose this legislation. Employers should be allowed to establish these types of policies and exert their rights as property owners. Maintaining a safe work environment is paramount for the longevity of any employer in Florida.
Other issues of critical importance to the business community that are covered in this week’s report include: energy legislation, space, and workforce issues. Next week will be a short week for the House and Senate since they will not be meeting on Friday in observance of the religious holidays.
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