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By Arek Sarkissian of the Naples Daily News

TALLAHASSEE - A bid to resurrect a bill that would allow openly carrying a handgun in public ended Thursday after a Senate leader ruled bringing it back would violate legislative rules.

Sen. Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, tried to add the proposal as an amendment to a bill already before the full Senate. However, Senate Rules Chair David Simmons, R-Altamonte Springs, determined the move was not feasible, Gaetz said.

"The rules chair determined it would be a violation, so here we are," Gaetz said.

Gaetz's bill faced a roadblock last month after Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Miguel Diaz de la Portilla, R-Miami, decided not to place it on his agenda. Diaz de la Portilla wanted Gaetz to amend the bill to only forgive accidental public exposures of handguns by concealed weapon permit holders. But Gaetz was not willing to make the change, and the disagreement between the two senators sent the bill into uncertainty.

Gaetz brought back his plan in the form of an amendment Wednesday night, but Diaz de la Portilla alerted Simmons that the move violated legislative rules. The bill now stands little chance of seeing the Senate floor as the Legislature heads into the last week of session.

Gaetz said the bill will return in future sessions.

"I can say this - it will not be the last time this bill will be brought up for debate," Gaetz said. "This bill will come up in another session."

Senate Majority Leader Bill Galvano, R-Bradenton, had said the bill and other concealed carry-related bills likely required more work to promote public safety as advertised.

The House version of Gaetz's open carry plan cleared the House floor Feb. 3 with a vote of 80-38.

Gaetz's bill was one of three relating to concealed weapon permit holders that Diaz de la Portilla blocked in his committee. Bills that would have allowed permit holders to carry a handgun on college campuses and in airport terminals also remain in flux.

Contact Daily News reporter arek.sarkissian@naplesnews.com or 850-559-7620