FCN: Campus Concealed Carry bill could cost schools millions
First Coast News
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — This has been a hot topic nationwide, and now it could be gaining steam in Florida. But that possibility isn't sitting well with some universities statewide.
Supporters of this legislation say it's a matter of public safety. Meanwhile, opponents say it's not that simple, and it just comes with too high of a price.
"We have been making our plans in both preparation in policy and training in the event the legislation is passed…We have put together some soft cost based estimates," said Gordon Bass, the Florida State College at Jacksonville's Director of Security.
According to the University of Central Florida, if the bill is passed it will cost their school an estimated $1.1 million during the first year. That includes $700,000 for seven additional police officers. The cost drops to around $500,000 after the first year.
"I think it's absurd… What are they going to need to implement because law abiding citizens are carrying? Does Publix, Walmart, restaurants, malls, parks or churches need to spend additional money on security because concealed weapon permit holders carry in those places? No,” said State representative Greg Steube who is sponsoring the bill.
He says the cost estimates schools are using is a scare tactic.
"It's an attempt by the colleges and universities because they can't win on the factual or data evidence to bring up some opposition to the bill that will make legislatures have concerns about the bill."
We reached out to several schools in our state about the proposal. St. Johns River State College said in a statement, "The bill will result in significant increased safety and security costs for the College."
The University of North Florida, Florida State University, the University of Florida and the University of South Florida all say it's too early to discuss any additional expenditures.
"The cost will come into play with considering should we arm our existing security staff or should we create our own law enforcement agency," said Bass.
He says the law is the law and FSCJ will make it work.
“One of the things I've learned through my years in law enforcement is you have to be adaptable."