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Bill To Keep Guns Out Of Hands Of Mentally Ill Approved

TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami/AP) – A House bill aimed at keeping people with mental illness from getting their hands on guns is on its way to Governor Rick Scott's desk.

The bill (HB 1355), which was supported by gun rights advocates, was unanimously approved in the Senate on Tuesday. The measure easily cleared the House earlier.

The measure seeks to close a loophole to guard against gun purchases by people with mental illness. It deals with people who voluntarily admit themselves for treatment, then check out. At that point, they are able to obtain weapons.

Under the bill, their names would be put into state and national databases to prevent them from buying guns.

The bill has emerged as the most prominent gun-related bill to come up during the 60-day legislative session that wraps up Friday.

 

(TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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