Florida legislators are pushing ahead with a bill designed to make it clear people can show a gun, or fire a warning shot, without drawing a lengthy prison sentence.
The legislation was partially inspired by the case of Marissa Alexander, who was given a 20 year prison sentence after firing a gun near her estranged husband during an argument. Alexander's conviction was thrown out by an appeals court and she is scheduled to have a new trial this year.
A Senate committee on Wednesday voted in favor of the bill (SB 488) while a similar version has already moved (HB 89) through a House committee.
The bill would grant the same protections already in place under Florida's controversial "stand your ground" law to people who only threaten to use force.
