Committee clears bill exempting unpaid volunteer armed security at houses of worship from licensing

The Judiciary Committee reported SB 52 favorably after sponsors and witnesses described legal uncertainty for volunteer church security teams and urged a narrow exemption.

Senator Gates introduced the bill, saying churches increasingly rely on volunteer teams and that small congregations cannot afford Class D or G professional licensing. "Senate bill 52 exempts people who provide volunteer armed security for churches and other places of worship from having to have Class D or G licensing," Gates said.

Pastor Joshua Burdick and Reggie Bartkowski (former law enforcement, current chief of safety and security at Pensacola Christian College) testified in support, warning volunteers face fines or reclassification as licensed security if they receive any consideration (training, uniform items or refreshments). Bartkowski cited incident data and response-time concerns for rural congregations. Eric Friday of Florida Carry said the bill allows churches without budgets for professional guards to organize an effective response.

Supporters stressed the exemption would be narrow and would not change other firearm laws or vetting expectations. Debate in committee was generally supportive; the committee reported the committee substitute favorably by roll call (9–0).

The bill will move forward with committee recommendation; no implementing rules or training standards were added in committee.