In testimony Monday before a Senate committee in Tallahassee, Electra Bustle, lobbyist for the Florida Sheriff’s Association, clarified earlier remarks she made on behalf of her client, stating that the sheriffs realize Floridians have both a right to keep and to bear arms.

“The sheriffs in Florida support the Second Amendment, and we encourage law abiding citizens to take full advantage of their right to keep and bear arms. I wanna take just a few minutes to clarify some remarks I made in the House committee,” Bustle said. “I tried to make a distinction between the right to own and bear firearms, and distinguish that from a concealed weapons permit, and unfortunately I used words that created a sound byte that now has muddied up the water.”

Bustle’s comments were made before the Senate Military Affairs, Space and Domestic Security Committee, which debated and then passed SB 296, a bill that allows Floridians to carry firearms during a declared emergency and mandatory evacuation.

In previous testimony before the House committee, Bustle told the lawmakers that “there is a difference between owning a firearm and carrying one concealed on your person. Owning a firearm is a right. Carrying concealed is a privilege, and it is a privilege that is earned by showing a higher degree of training and proficiency with a firearm.”

Bustle’s previous comments set off a firestorm of controversy, especially amongst the state’s 7 million gun owners.

“The only thing I was trying to say in the House committee, was there is a distinction in Florida,” Bustle said Monday. “We absolutely have the right, and the sheriff’s support the right, to own and carry firearms, but in Florida, we are a concealed weapons licensed state, and as a result there are certain eligibility requirements required of people who want to carry concealed.”

As to the Senate bill, and similar legislation in the House, Bustle said “We do have concerns if this is done without adequate parameters and adequate safeguards.

The bill needs to be amended, the sheriff’s spokeswoman said. “As drafted, we cannot support this bill.”

Marion Hammer, Florida’s NRA lobbyist and executive director of the Unified Sportsmen of Florida, pointed out that in Florida, open carry or concealed carry without a license are crimes.

She urged the Senators to support the bill.

Said Hammer: “When your government orders you to take your family, grab your kids, grab your dog and leave your home and leave your belongings behind, you should never be deprived of the ability to protect yourself and your family. The Second Amendment guarantees the right to keep – to own – and to bear – to carry – firearms, and there can be no greater time of need to exercise those rights than when you or your family face danger. Please support the Second Amendment rights of your constituents, trust law abiding people to do the right thing. Please pass this bill.”

You can watch the committee hearing and testimony here. Bustle starts speaking at 3:15. Hammer addresses the committee at 13:20.