DeSantis signs bill allowing bear hunting, vetoing penalty for slow left lane drivers.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis made headlines recently by signing a controversial piece of legislation that allows individuals to kill black bears on their property for self-defense, while also vetoing a bill aimed at penalizing slow drivers in the left lane.

The governor’s decision to sign H.B. 87, which provides a stand-your-ground defense for shooting black bears on private property, has sparked a fierce debate among Floridians. Proponents argue that individuals have the right to protect themselves and their property from potential threats, including bears. However, opponents fear that the new law could lead to an increase in the deaths of these once-threatened animals.

According to reports from WFOR, opponents of the law have expressed their intention to challenge it through legal action. Katrina Shadix, a member of the group Bear Warriors, stated, “We will file a lawsuit to get that bill overturned. This will be protecting the future of Florida black bears, the survival of a species we love so much. And, also going to save the lives of our children who are at risk of being shot by a stray bullet meant for a bear.”

Despite the strong opposition, Governor DeSantis signed the bill into law, and it is set to take effect on July 1. The law requires individuals who kill a bear on their property to notify the Florida Fish and Wildlife authorities within 24 hours, prohibits the sale or possession of the bear carcass, and does not provide legal immunity for those who attract bears to their property.

In addition to the bear-related legislation, Governor DeSantis vetoed H.B. 317, which aimed to crack down on slow drivers in the left lane of highways with at least two lanes and speed limits of 65 mph or higher. The bill would have imposed fines of up to $158 on violators, with exemptions for drivers passing others, preparing to exit, turning left, or directed by traffic-control devices.

In his veto letter, Governor DeSantis expressed concerns about the broad language of the bill, noting that it could unfairly penalize drivers who are not impeding traffic flow or are in sparsely populated areas. He also warned that the law could lead to increased congestion in urban areas as drivers avoid the left lane to prevent being ticketed.

Overall, Governor Ron DeSantis’s actions regarding these legislative measures have sparked a mix of reactions from the public, highlighting the complex issues surrounding wildlife conservation, self-defense rights, and traffic regulations in the state of Florida.