James Call | Tallahassee Democrat

Video by Luann Manderville Posted April 26, 2018

A South Florida Democrat says he was inspired by President Donald Trump to propose mandatory mental health evaluations for people seeking a concealed-carry permit for firearms, but a Gadsden County gun dealer counters that the idea is at odds with fundamental American values.

Rep. Al Jacquet, D-Riviera Beach, quoted the president when he filed HB 117 for the 2020 session of the Florida Legislature. It would require applicants for a concealed-carry permit to provide a physician’s statement that they did not suffer from “any serious mental illness.”

C.T. Kruger/Now News Group

Jacquet said he was motivated by Trump’s statement after mass shootings in El Paso and Dayton that mental illness “pulls the trigger, not the gun.”

“If that’s the case, then we need to ensure that people wishing to conceal carry are of sound mind,” said Jacquet. “If we can’t ensure that every American has access to mental health services, let’s not approve licenses until they are able to get that addressed."

HB 117 would require an applicant to undergo a mental health evaluation and submit a statement that they had been been found to be “competent and of sound mind,” when applying for a permit.

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Joe Rondone/Democrat

More than 1.4 million Floridians have a license to carry a concealed firearm. They can be acquired by residents 21 of age or older after a background check. A proposal to place an obstacle to residents who seek a permit exasperates Charlie Strickland of Talon Range in Midway.

Strickland is part owner of a gun store and shooting range where he teaches gun safety and personal protection. He objects to the proposal personally, constitutionally, and logically. His reading of it is that it would require a person with no criminal or mental health record to prove they are sane before they can exercise a constitutional right.

“There’s a presumption of innocence in our country. You don’t got to prove that you are a good person or a sane person before you can exercise your rights,” said Strickland. “We assume that! If we are going to pass this then we should also use the same standard and make you take an IQ test to vote because we don’t want people who can’t make decisions have a say in our political process.”

Jacquet filed the bill as Florida lawmakers prepare for pre-session committee meetings that begin next week. It joins other proposals on the docket to restrict access to guns that include a ban on assault weapons and an expansion of background checks.

Florida Today

Analysts and activists on both sides of the gun debate said that shootings in August have added pressure on lawmakers to consider reforms to reduce violence. Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, who runs the concealed-weapons permit program, said she welcomed Jacquet’s “contribution” to the debate but didn't commit to it when asked about a mental health examination for a concealed weapons permit.

“If we’re gong to make an honest effort to take on the issue of gun violence, all ideas need to be considered – everyone deserves a seat at the table for this discussion,” said Fried.