The Florida House passed a new bill Wednesday that includes new restrictions on gun sales and funding for a program to improve school security by arming teachers.
Lawmakers voted 67–50 in favor of the new legislation, which was written in response to the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, which left 17 dead and 16 others wounded. The bill includes funding for mental-health programs in schools. It also imposes a three-day wait period to purchase rifles and raises the minimum age to buy such weapons from 18 to 21. Over the weekend, lawmakers voted down a provision that would have banned assault weapons altogether.
Nikolas Cruz, the accused 19-year-old shooter, has been charged with 17 counts of first-degree murder; if convicted, he could face the death penalty.
The new legislation now goes to Governor Rick Scott (R) for his signature.
