Jacksonville City Council Delays Investigation into Firearm Registry

Jacksonville City Council discusses the controversial firearm registry policy.

News Summary

State Attorney Melissa Nelson has requested the Jacksonville City Council to postpone the investigation into its controversial firearm registry. Concerns raised by Councilman Ron Salem about legality and potential lawsuits prompt caution among council members. The registry has been confirmed to exist, leading to inquiries surrounding its compliance with Florida law. Legal ramifications are significant as the city navigates public concern and accountability regarding the policy.

Jacksonville – State Attorney Melissa Nelson has formally requested that the Jacksonville City Council postpone efforts to establish a special committee to investigate the city’s controversial firearm registry. This revelation follows the confirmation of the existence of the firearm registry in the previous week, which tracks firearms brought into City Hall and the Yates building.

During a recent Rules Committee meeting, Councilman Ron Salem called for an investigation into the firearm registry, raising concerns over its compliance with Florida law. The State Attorney’s Office has confirmed that a subpoena has been issued, and an ongoing investigation is underway to determine if any laws were violated during the registry’s implementation.

The Mayor’s office has indicated that the firearm registry policy was set in place prior to Mayor Donna Deegan’s administration. Following discussions with State Attorney Nelson, Councilman Salem expressed a willingness to reconsider proceeding with an internal investigation. Nelson’s team has sent a letter to Council President Randy White and Rules Committee Chair Nick Howland, formally seeking a delay on any internal inquiry.

Salem has highlighted significant legal risks associated with the registry, notably the potential for individuals listed in the registry to pursue lawsuits against the city, which he warned could lead to millions in liabilities. This backdrop has raised questions concerning possible political motivations against Mayor Deegan, leading some council members to advise caution in making accusatory statements.

Republican Councilman Matt Carlucci emphasized the importance of fairness and cautioned against jumping to conclusions about Mayor Deegan’s involvement in the matter. The same Rules Committee meeting disclosed that records of gun owners have been maintained at City Hall and the Yates Building since at least July 2023. This practice is believed to be in violation of Florida Statute 790.335, which explicitly prohibits such registries.

City General Counsel Michael Fackler confirmed that the practice of retaining gun owner information had been discontinued. Legal expert Eric Friday from Florida Carry condemned the city’s policies, noting that maintaining such records could result in felony charges. Fackler also informed that the city has engaged the Bedell Law Firm to address the potential legal ramifications of the situation.

Concerns have been raised regarding the impact of the firearm registry on public engagement and taxpayers, as there are warnings of possible penalties due to administrative missteps. This situation has been characterized as a serious legal matter, prompting Councilman Nick Howland to call for greater transparency for the citizens of Jacksonville regarding the developments. Councilman Rahman Johnson urged caution against assuming that Mayor Deegan had any direct involvement, claiming such assumptions misrepresent the nature of the situation.

In response to this ongoing issue, Councilman Carlucci has planned to organize a meeting to facilitate discussion among council members about the registry and its implications. As the situation unfolds, the City Council faces significant pressure to navigate both the legal challenges and public concerns surrounding the controversial firearm registry policy.