The Florida Senate stated its support for a bill that protects citizens with no criminal records who let off warning shots or threaten to take deadly action as a means of self-defense, Thursday.
According to the Miami Herald, the measure, which has already passed through the State House, will now go to Gov. Rick Scott for either veto or approval.
The bid, dubbed the "warning shot" bill, additionally closes off court records for citizens who have had justifiable weapon firing charges dropped, the Herald reported.
Gun advocacy groups like the NRA and Florida Carry strongly support the bill. Representatives from the organizations have stated in the past that it is a way to grant immunity to people involved in gun crimes that don't lead to injuries or death.
"This is about self-defense," Sen. Greg Evers, the Senate's sponsor, told the Herald. "It's one more step forward for people to protect themselves."
Others see the proposed legislation as a widened "stand your ground" law, which protects citizens who use justifiable force from being convicted for their crimes.
Sen. Arthenia Joyner, who voted against the proposal in the 32-7 ruling, said the bill made her nervous.
"A Pandora's box is being opened again," Joyner said, making reference to the "stand your ground" law. "I have great apprehension about what's inside."
Seven Democrats backed the bill in hopes of creating a more fair application of "stand your ground" to cases like Marissa Alexander's.
A Florida court sentenced Alexander to 20 years in prison, after she shot a single bullet toward her ex-husband, the Herald reported.
Alexander is scheduled to stand trial next month in an appeals court.
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