If a minor uploads this picture to social media it could mean jail time

A bill was introduced into the Florida State Senate that would criminalize the posting pictures of guns to social media by minors. There are no exemptions in the bill that take in o account hunting, Target shooting, or any other legal activity. It basically says If you child posts a picture of a gun they could go to jail.

According to Reason Magazine, SB1310 was introduced by Sen. Jason Pizzo of Miami-Dade County. If convicted under the purposed legislation, your child would receive a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable [by up to a year in jail or a fine of up to $1000].

Not only could your child end up in Jail but as a parent could be court ordered to attend “Parenting Classes” or in the case of multiple offenses by sentenced to community service with your Child.

The bill also allows police to seize any firearm that appear in the social media post.

(1) A minor who posts or publishes a picture of a firearm, a BB gun, an air or a gas-operated gun, or a device displayed to resemble a firearm to a social media page, post, profile, or account that is openly viewable to the public commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable [by up to a year in jail or a fine of up to $1000].

(2)(a) Any parent or guardian of a minor, or other adult responsible for the welfare of a minor, if the minor possesses a firearm in violation of this section, may, if the court finds it appropriate, be required to participate in classes on parent education which are approved by the Department of Juvenile Justice, upon the first conviction of the minor. Upon any subsequent conviction of the minor, the court may, if the court finds it appropriate, require the parent to attend further parent education classes or render community service hours together with the child.

(3) Any firearm that is possessed or used by a minor in violation of this section shall be promptly seized by a law enforcement officer and disposed of ….

If you read the entire text of this bill there are no exceptions for minors posting pictures of activities that they are legally allowed to participate in. It would esentially make a lot of hunting pictures illeagle.

For instance, if you daughter kills her first deer and she posts a picture of it to her Instagram account and it contains the rifle she shot the deer with she and you would be subject to all the fines and punishments mentioned above.

MRC TV brought up an interesting point in the piece they did about the bill. The proposed law does not stipulate that the minor in the post needs to be in possession of the firearm in the picture.

Your child could post a picture of you with your deer and if your rifle or shotgun is in the picture, they could receive fines and jail time. Also if they post a picture supporting the NRA and that post shows a gun that also would be illeg el based on the language of the bill.

Because it depicts a gun, your child could be charged for political speech

This bill is a direct assault on both the first and second amendments of the Constitution. The state Senator that introduced this bill is completely out of touch with hunting and target shooting culture. he is a disgrace. Here is his contact information if you would like to contact him.

