Brevard allows government employees to carry guns while on the job

Brevard County Commissioner John Tobia pushes proposal

VIERA, Fla. – Brevard County employees with a concealed carry permit will be allowed to bring their guns to work, under a policy change unanimously approved this afternoon by county commissioners, News 6 partner Florida Today reported.

"This is a fundamental right," said County Commissioner John Tobia, who proposed the change in the county's "Zero Tolerance of Workplace Violence" policy.

Previously, the policy banned county employees who are not in law enforcement or security from bringing their guns to work.

Under the newly approved policy, which takes effect immediately, employees who hold a concealed carry permit generally would be allowed carry a single firearm or electronic weapon like a Taser during the workday.

"I'm 1,000 percent behind this," County Commission Vice Chair Kristine Isnardi. "Your rights shouldn't stop because you're coming to work."

Brevard County Human Resources Director Jerry Visco said the policy change would cover the more than 2,200 employees of the departments that are overseen by the County Commission.

It would not affect employees of the county's five elected "constitutional officers" -- the clerk of courts, property appraiser, sheriff, supervisor of elections and tax collector -- nor would it apply to Brevard Public Schools employees.

The policy would not apply to places where non-law enforcement personnel already are barred from carrying weapons under state statute, such as in courthouses, sheriff's stations or precincts, jails, polling places or airport passenger terminals, as well as at County Commission meetings.

ClickOrlando.com incorrectly reported earlier Tuesday that the measure had been tabled to a future meeting. We regret the error.


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