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Bill

HB 95

RELATING TO AGRICULTURE.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Kirstin Kahaloa

HB 95 allows qualified volunteers to provide armed security at religious sites in Florida without extensive licensing, enhancing safety and community involvement.

Referred to AGR, referral sheet 1
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Bill Summary · HB 95

Summary of Bill HB 95: Security Services on Religious Premises

Bill Number: HB 95
Title: Security Services on Religious Premises
Status: Now in Criminal Justice Subcommittee
Introduced: October 07, 2025
Effective Date: July 1, 2026
Sponsors:
- Primary: Grow
- Cosponsors: Salzman, Plasencia, Barnaby

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of HB 95 is to amend existing regulations concerning security services provided on the premises of religious organizations in Florida. The bill aims to exempt certain individuals from specific licensing requirements when they provide voluntary armed security services at churches or other ecclesiastical organizations.

Key Provisions

  • Exemption from Licensing Requirements:
    The bill introduces a new subsection (16) to section 493.6102 of the Florida Statutes, which states that individuals providing armed security services voluntarily at a church or ecclesiastical organization are exempt from certain regulatory requirements, provided they meet specific criteria.

  • Eligibility Criteria:
    To qualify for this exemption, individuals must:

    • Hold a valid license to carry a concealed weapon or firearm as per section 790.06.
    • Provide security services exclusively on the premises of the church or ecclesiastical organization, including any property owned or leased for worship, education, or religious activities.
    • Not receive compensation for their services, although reimbursement for reasonable expenses related to training or equipment is permitted.

Impact

  • Who is Affected:
    This bill primarily affects individuals who wish to provide voluntary armed security services at religious institutions. It also impacts churches and ecclesiastical organizations that may seek to enhance their security measures without incurring the costs associated with hiring licensed security personnel.

  • Potential Benefits:
    By allowing volunteers to provide armed security without the burden of extensive licensing requirements, the bill aims to improve safety at religious gatherings while encouraging community involvement.

Procedural Timeline

  • October 7, 2025: Bill filed.
  • October 14, 2025: The bill was referred to the Criminal Justice Subcommittee, Industries & Professional Activities Subcommittee, and Judiciary Committee.
  • Current Status: The bill is now in the Criminal Justice Subcommittee for further consideration.

Conclusion

HB 95 seeks to streamline the process for providing armed security at religious premises by exempting qualified volunteers from certain regulatory requirements. If enacted, the bill could enhance security at places of worship while fostering community engagement in safety efforts. The effective date for this legislation is set for July 1, 2026.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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