Century To Hold Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
December 1, 2015
The Century Town Council will hold a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6 p.m. Thursday at the Nadine McCaw Park across from the Century Chamber of Commerce. The Byrneville Elementary School Chorus will lead Christmas carols during the event. Everyone is invited to attend. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
‘Stand Your Ground’ Bill Still Moving In Senate
December 1, 2015
Despite appearing to die in the House, a proposal that would change the burden of proof in “stand your ground” self-defense cases is slated to go to the Senate Rules Committee this week.
If approved by the committee during a meeting Thursday, the bill (SB 344), sponsored by Sen. Rob Bradley, R-Fleming Island, would be ready to go to the full Senate when the 2016 legislative session starts in January.
The issue stems from a Florida Supreme Court ruling that said people who use the “stand your ground” defense have the burden of showing they should be shielded from prosecution.
The legislation, backed by the National Rifle Association, would shift the burden of proof to the state in “stand your ground” cases.
A House version of the bill (HB 169), filed by Rep. Dennis Baxley, R-Ocala, was defeated November 17 in a 6-6 vote in the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee. But after that vote, Bradley said “everything is in play” until the end of the legislative session.