Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., proposed a six-pronged plan Thursday on the Senate floor that he says would address gun violence and prevent future school shootings.
First, Rubio will be introducing the Senate legislation Stop School Violence Act alongside Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Ut. The bill would help would strengthen school security, provide school training to identify threats, and create threat assessment and crisis intervention teams that would coordinate with law enforcement agencies to identify students who may pose a threat of violence.
The Florida senator also said he would be presenting legislation that he hopes would lead to the creation of Gun Violence Restraining Orders. He said if this were to be signed into law, it would be harder for individuals who have been flagged as a threat to themselves or others, or as being dangerous, from obtaining or keeping ownership of a firearm.
Rubio also wants to make it easier for school personnel to report dangerous students to law enforcement, expedite the background check process, prosecute those who attempt to purchase firearms when they have been prohibited from doing so, and continue to explore reforms to age limitations and magazine capacities.
These proposals come as Rubio’s approval ratings dropped to an all-time low following his response to last month’s Parkland, Fla. school shooting. His overall stance on guns and limited gun control, and his acceptance of campaign donations from the National Rifle Association, have also been under scrutiny.
The results of a Wednesday poll also reveals 65 percent of Florida voters support “stricter gun laws.” Rubio has been known for his relaxed stances on gun control, and support for the second amendment.
