Author: Dr. Wayne Thorn

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Florida Lawmakers 2025 Gun Bills Purposed

Dr. Wayne Thorn

This year’s 2025 Legislative session, Florida state lawmakers have been busy filing hundreds of different bills.

Among these, several are aimed at changing up state laws involving gun ownership, pushed by Republicans and Democrats alike. These bills involve topics like age limits, storage requirements, and harsh crackdowns on gun sales.

To become law, these bills require the approval of both the state Senate and House, as well as a signature from Gov. Ron DeSantis.

We must all make our voices heard and help shape Florida’s government based on the will of its constituents. One way to do this is by sharing your message, just as I have done below.

Here is my letter about how I want our Governor and my Representative to vote on these issues

To Governor Ron DeSantis and my State Representative Josie Tomkow,

This is how I want you to vote on the following Gun bills.

HB15 – Vote NO

I would want a better option of not restricting CCW/P citizens to be able to carry anywhere. This way the criminals would be stopped getting firearms from vehicles, because of the restriction this is like saying you want a gun. All you have to do is go to a parking lot, there is plenty available in the vehicles.

I sent you a letter earlier that we should do the same thing Wyoming is doing removing gun-free zones. Also, concealed carry permit holders stopped 51.5 percent of active shootings, compared to 44.6 percent stopped by police. 

See the report: https://thefederalist.com/2025/03/11/study-concealed-carriers-do-a-better-job-of-stopping-active-shooters-than-police/

HB53 – Vote NO

You will be placing an unnecessary burden on law-abiding citizens by requiring an additional background check and its associated fee for every ammunition purchase.

This legislation is a reaction to a single tragic incident. While the event was terrible, it should not be used as justification to impose broad restrictions that unfairly impact all responsible citizens.

HB491 Vote YES  if not NO- with the below changes

I agree with this bill, if it removed the exceptions – I go back to my statement about removing gun-free zones altogether for CCW/P citizens

HB759 Vote YES

Young men as young as 18 have been called to serve in the military, bearing arms to defend our country since before the ratification of the Constitution. Yet, they are deemed incompetent to purchase a firearm for personal defense. If they are truly incapable of responsible firearm ownership, then by the same logic, no one under 21 should be allowed to enlist in the Armed Forces.

HB1019 Vote NO 

That would mean that if I wanted to pass down a firearm to a family member in my will, there would be no way to conduct a background check on both parties. Private transfers or sales would no longer be possible, despite the fact that such transactions have historically been allowed without issue.

Gun manufacturers have been providing gun locks with their firearms for years, even without a legal mandate.

Home gun manufacturing has been practiced since before the Constitution was written. There were no licensing requirements for building firearms, nor any mandates for serial numbers to be engraved on them.

Gun enthusiasts have been creating 3D-printed firearms as a way to test their skills and refine their gunsmithing abilities. While many early attempts result in failure, they continue learning and improving their techniques.

H6003 Vote NO

This would grant local governments the authority to establish their own gun-related regulations, covering aspects such as sales, ownership, possession, storage, and taxation.

HB6025  Vote NO

Just look at California it became a looter haven – until law abiding citizen (with Arms) took actions to protect what they had left  for themselves and others, there was not enough police to go around to protect them- and the citizens deterred looter.

SB188 Vote NO

If a person has a CCW/P permit, there should be no need to further restrict them, as they have already undergone thorough vetting. Restricting them only creates unnecessary complications, such as forcing them to temporarily leave their firearm in a vehicle, where it becomes vulnerable to theft.

Gun-free zones essentially signal to criminals that no one present can stop them. If certain locations must prohibit firearms, CCW permit holders should be treated similarly to law enforcement—security could temporarily hold their weapon and return it upon departure, ensuring that no firearms are left unattended. However, even this approach risks creating another location with no deterrent for criminals.

SB814 Vote NO

The policy bans individuals from storing firearms—rather than merely possessing them—at school-sponsored events or on school property. This includes storing them in a vehicle, effectively requiring attendees to leave their firearms at home. As a result, law-abiding citizens are left vulnerable to potential threats from the moment they leave their homes until they return.

SB 1338 Vote NO

This policy infringes on our Second Amendment rights to keep and bear arms, restricting firearm possession to our homes or designated storage facilities like shooting ranges.

By this logic, it also limits our ability to transport firearms altogether. Millions of civilian versions AR-15s—often mislabeled as “assault weapons”—are commonly used for competition shooting, recreational target practice, and hunting.

A true “assault weapon” is a firearm capable of firing multiple rounds with a single pull of the trigger—also known as a “machine gun.” In contrast, civilian versions of the AR-15 are semi-automatic, meaning they fire one round per trigger pull.

Thank you for your time,

Dr. Cecil W Thorn

Below is the link to find your state representative and the link to Governor DeSantis

Governor DeSantis: https://www.flgov.com/eog/leadership/people/ron-desantis/contact

Find your state House representative: https://www.flhouse.gov/FindYourRepresentative

Find your state Senate representative: https://www.flsenate.gov/Senators/Find

Contact me below about anything, comments on articles, questions you may have, etc. 

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Suppressors a firearm or an accessory

Dr. Wayne Thorn

The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals 3-judge panel ruled that suppressors are not firearms but an accessory and are not protected by the 2nd Amendment and the Department of Justice (DOJ) responded the same that a suppressor is not a firearm but an accessory.

Yet the National Firearms Act (NFA) and Gun Control Act (GCA) says A suppressor is legally defined as a “firearm” under the National Firearms Act (NFA) and Gun Control Act (GCA).

Key Legal Definitions

  • 26 U.S.C. § 5845(a)(7) – Classifies a suppressor as a “firearm” under the NFA.
  • 26 U.S.C. § 5845(f) – Defines a suppressor as “any device for silencing, muffling, or diminishing the report of a portable firearm.”
    • The National Firearms Act (NFA) was signed into law on June 26, 1934, in response to violent crime during Prohibition.
    • Suppressors were classified as “firearms” under the NFA in 1934, meaning they required registration, a tax stamp, and ATF approval to own.
    • The original tax stamp was $200 (the same cost today, but in 1934, it was meant to be a prohibitive cost).
  • Gun Control Act of 1968 (18 U.S.C. § 921(a)(24)) (which defines suppressor parts as “firearms”) – Includes all parts intended for suppressor assembly.
    • he Gun Control Act (GCA) of 1968 was signed into law on October 22, 1968, following the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
    • This law expanded the definition of “firearm” to include any combination of parts that can be assembled into a suppressor, effectively making individual suppressor components subject to regulation.

These existing laws clearly define suppressors as “firearms,” as stated and recorded in the National Firearms Act (NFA) and other legal frameworks. Given that no legislation has been passed to reclassify them as accessories, how can the Court and the Department of Justice suddenly assert that suppressors are accessories?

Hearing Protection Act (HPA) in 2017 and 2025

  • Objective:To remove suppressors from regulation under the National Firearms Act (NFA), reclassifying them under the Gun Control Act (GCA)
  • Status: As of March 2025, the HPA has been introduced but has not passed into law. continuing the effort to pass the bill after it failed to progress in prior sessions.

Summary

While there have been attempts through both the courts and legislation to reclassify suppressors as accessories, these efforts have not resulted in a change in their classification to date. Suppressors remain regulated under the NFA, requiring registration and a tax stamp for legal ownership.

If we allow the government to arbitrarily reclassify items as mere accessories, where does it end? Today, it’s suppressors—tomorrow, it could be scopes, red dots, and magazines. Do you see where this is headed?

Write to the President and the Attorney General to express our dissatisfaction with the direction this is heading. Let them know we expect them to take action to stop this and uphold our Second Amendment rights.

The Office of Donald J. Trump: https://www.45office.com/

Attorney General Pam Bondi: https://www.justice.gov/contact-us

Contact me below about anything, comments on articles, questions you may have, etc. 

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We The People

Dr. Wayne Thorn

With everything happening in the United States—immigration issues, government corruption, attacks on our Second Amendment rights, and a struggling economy—it’s more important than ever for We the People to take a stand. We can no longer sit back and believe that there’s nothing we can do. It’s time for us to actively voice our concerns and make our desires known to those in power. Our involvement and engagement are crucial for shaping the future of our country.

Find and contact elected officials

Get the names and contact information for the people who represent you on the federal, state, and local levels.

https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials

Here is some direct links:

The Office of Donald J. Trump: https://www.45office.com/

Attorney General Pam Bondi: https://www.justice.gov/contact-us

ATF Director Kash Patel: [email protected]:

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP): https://www.help.cbp.gov/s/questions

Contact me below about anything, comments on articles, questions you may have, etc. 

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Study: Concealed Carriers Do A Better Job Of Stopping Active Shooters Than Police

Wayne Thorn

This just released from the Crime Prevention Research Center

“You’d never know it from watching television, but civilians stop more active shooters than police and do so with fewer mistakes, according to new research from the Crime Prevention Research Center, where I serve as president. In non-gun-free zones, where civilians are legally able to carry guns, concealed carry permit holders stopped 51.5 percent of active shootings, compared to 44.6 percent stopped by police, CPRC found in a deep dive into active shooter scenarios between 2014 and 2023.

Not only do permit holders succeed in stopping active shooters at a higher rate, but law enforcement officers face significantly greater risks when intervening. Our research found police were nearly six times more likely to be killed and 17 percent more likely to be wounded than armed civilians.”

John R. Lott, Jr.

READ COMPLETE ARTICLE HERE

We need to eliminate gun-free zones because they leave innocent people defenseless. Police cannot always respond immediately, and tragedies could have been prevented if law-abiding citizens with concealed carry permits were present. Many of the worst mass shootings, especially in schools, have occurred in these so-called “gun-free” areas.

The report highlights how armed, responsible citizens have stepped in when no police officers were available, stopping shootings or even preventing them before they begin. States like Wyoming have taken the right approach by removing gun-free zones, ensuring that criminals no longer have guaranteed targets. These zones have become safe havens for those looking to cause harm, knowing there is no one there to fight back. It’s time we follow the example of other states and allow responsible citizens to protect themselves and others.

Contact your local, federal representatives as well as President Trump to remove the Gun-Free-Zones

Contact me below about anything, comments on articles, questions you may have, etc. 

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ATF non-complaints with the United States Court Ruling

Wayne Thorn

The ATF is defying a court order by refusing to comply and instead making excuses, gathering additional information on those affected, and imposing unnecessary background checks before returning confiscated items.

These individuals legally purchased these items before the ATF reclassified them as machine guns. Since they were originally classified as non-machine guns at the time of purchase, no additional background checks should be required.

https://gunrightsfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/ATF-Response-to-Non-Compliance-3-11-2025.pdf

Below is a letter I wrote to President Trump regarding this issue. I encourage everyone to do the same.

The ATF has been resisting compliance with federal court orders regarding items it previously classified as machine guns. Now, the agency claims it must re-evaluate whether individuals who legally purchased these items before the classification change have the right to keep them. Additionally, the ATF is demanding documentation proving that these individuals were part of the organization involved in the legal case—essentially com and compiling a list of members, raising concerns about potential misuse of this information to target law-abiding Americans and infringe on their First Amendment rights.

As I have previously shared, the ATF has also been using AI and surveillance cameras to identify individuals on the streets who may be carrying firearms, as well as scanning for people with pending legal issues. These actions raise serious concerns about overreach and privacy violations.

These confiscated items must be returned immediately. Pam Bondi (DOJ) and Acting ATF Director Kash Patel must take action to resolve this issue without delay. These are individuals you appointed, but they have been silent and inactive on this matter. Their inaction is unacceptable.

Given the ATF’s repeated noncompliance with court rulings and its continued excuses for defying judgments, I believe the agency is beyond reform. It must be completely dismantled. I will be closely watching how you address this issue with Bondi and Patel, as I trust you have the power to ensure justice is served.

Here is were you can write to the President: https://www.45office.com/

Contact me below about anything, comments on articles, questions you may have, etc. 

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Let’s Follow Wyoming’s Lead—End Gun-Free Zones in Our State

Wayne Thorn



I wanted to bring to your attention Wyoming’s recent move to eliminate gun-free zones statewide—a bold step in restoring Second Amendment rights and ensuring the safety of law-abiding citizens.

https://www.wyoleg.gov/Legislation/2025/HB0172

Gun-free zones have consistently proven to be ineffective deterrents to crime, often leaving law-abiding citizens vulnerable while criminals ignore these restrictions. Wyoming’s decision to crush gun-free zones recognizes the fundamental right of self-defense and empowers individuals to protect themselves and others.

I strongly believe we should take similar action in Florida and push for legislation that removes these ineffective and dangerous restrictions. Protecting our constitutional rights and ensuring the safety of our communities should be a priority. I urge you to consider advocating for something like this measure and working toward making our entire state a no gun-free zone state.

Now, I do not agree with everything in the bill, but it may help us in Florida to make us a no-gun-free zone state as well.

“Your voice matters! Reach out to your representatives and stand for a safer future—let them know where you stand on the idea of a no-gun-free zone state.”

Find my Florida State Representative

https://www.flhouse.gov/FindYourRepresentative

Contact me below about anything, comments on articles, questions you may have, etc. 

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“Keep Americans Safe Act” – Evidence Shows Magazine Limits Do Not Reduce Crime

Wayne Thorn

I am writing to urge all of us to oppose the Keep Americans Safe Act. While I understand the intent behind this legislation, history and research show that restricting magazine capacity does not reduce crime and only infringes upon the rights of law-abiding citizens.

The Urban Institute’s 2004 report, which examined the impact of the 1994 Federal Assault Weapons Ban (in effect from 1994 to 2004), found no measurable reduction in violent crime as a result of magazine capacity restrictions. The report concluded that “the ban’s effects on gun violence are likely to be small at best and perhaps too small for reliable measurement.” This study, along with crime data from 1990 to 2001, provides clear evidence that limiting magazine size does not deter criminals but does place unnecessary burdens on responsible gun owners.

Restricting law-abiding citizens’ access to standard-capacity magazines puts them at a disadvantage for self-defense, especially in rural areas where law enforcement response times can be significant. Criminals do not adhere to magazine restrictions, leaving responsible Americans more vulnerable to attack.

What we don’t need is passing ineffective legislation that restricts constitutional rights, what we do need is to focus on enforcing existing laws, addressing mental health issues, and targeting violent offenders. Contact your representative to please vote NO on the Keep Americans Safe Act and stand up for the Second Amendment.

Call 202-224-3121 to find your Congressional representative.

Contact me below about anything, comments on articles, questions you may have, etc. 

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ATF using Social Media to spy on 2A citizens

Wayne Thorn

Over the past decade, concerns have escalated regarding the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and its surveillance practices targeting Second Amendment (2A) advocates. Reports indicate that the ATF has been monitoring social media platforms and employing advanced technologies, such as facial recognition, to identify and track gun owners. This article delves into these practices, the implications for civil liberties, and the ongoing debate surrounding the ATF’s role.

ATF’s Surveillance Practices

In recent years, the ATF has expanded its surveillance capabilities by utilizing facial recognition technology (FRT). According to the Government Accountability Office (GAO), the ATF has accessed systems like Clearview AI and Vigilant Solutions, which aggregate billions of facial images from publicly available sources, including social media platforms. Between October 2019 and March 2022, the ATF reportedly conducted at least 549 facial recognition searches on gun owners. While the agency claimed to have halted such practices as of April 2023, subsequent reports suggest otherwise. citeturn0search1

Civil Liberties Concerns

The ATF’s surveillance activities have raised significant civil rights and privacy issues. A 2021 GAO report highlighted that the agency lacked proper oversight regarding its employees’ use of non-federal facial recognition systems. Employees initially used the technology without formal training, raising concerns about accuracy, potential misidentifications, and violations of civil liberties. The GAO emphasized that government surveillance could have a “chilling effect” on individuals exercising their First Amendment rights, and by extension, their Second Amendment rights. citeturn0search1

Congressional Scrutiny

The ATF’s actions have not gone unnoticed by lawmakers. In a 2023 hearing titled “ATF’s Assault on the Second Amendment: When is Enough Enough?”, members of Congress examined the agency’s regulatory overreach and enforcement practices. The hearing addressed concerns about the ATF’s use of surveillance technologies and its impact on law-abiding citizens exercising their constitutional rights. citeturn0search3

Public Outcry and Calls for Reform

The revelation of the ATF’s surveillance practices has led to public outcry, with many advocating for the agency’s abolition. Social media platforms have seen trending calls to dismantle the ATF and repeal certain firearm regulations. For instance, in January 2022, discussions about abolishing the ATF and repealing the National Firearms Act (NFA) gained significant traction online, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction with the agency’s actions.

Conclusion

The ATF’s use of social media surveillance and facial recognition technology to monitor Second Amendment advocates has sparked a national debate about privacy, civil liberties, and government overreach. As technology continues to evolve, it is imperative to balance law enforcement objectives with the protection of individual rights. Ongoing scrutiny and dialogue are essential to ensure that constitutional freedoms are upheld in the face of expanding surveillance capabilities.

Contact President Donald Trump below:

https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact

Here is my letter to the President

Dear President Trump,

I hope this message finds you well. As a strong supporter of the Second Amendment and an advocate for the constitutional rights of American citizens, I am deeply concerned about the ongoing overreach of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Reports have surfaced for over a decade indicating that the ATF has been using social media and other digital surveillance methods to monitor and target law-abiding gun owners. This blatant disregard for privacy and constitutional freedoms is unacceptable.

The ATF has repeatedly demonstrated a pattern of overreach, entrapment, and regulatory abuse that directly infringes upon the rights of law-abiding Americans. Rather than serving to protect the people, it has become an agency that imposes arbitrary restrictions and enforces unconstitutional policies that erode our fundamental freedoms.

For these reasons, I urge you to take decisive action to abolish the ATF altogether. Its continued existence serves only to undermine the Second Amendment and burden responsible gun owners with unnecessary and unconstitutional regulations. The American people deserve better than a rogue agency that operates with little accountability and routinely oversteps its authority.

I appreciate your unwavering support for our constitutional rights and trust that you will take a strong stance against government overreach. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to seeing action taken to restore the rights and liberties of American citizens.

Contact me below about anything, comments on articles, questions you may have, etc. 

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Defend Veterans’ Rights: Support H.R. 1041, the Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act

Wayne Thorn

The Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act (H.R. 1041) is a crucial piece of legislation that protects the constitutional rights of those who have served our country. If you are a veteran or a supporter of the Second Amendment, now is the time to take action and contact your representative to demand support for this bill.

What is H.R. 1041?

Currently, thousands of veterans are unjustly stripped of their gun rights simply because they have a fiduciary trustee managing their VA benefits. Under current law, if the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) appoints someone to help a veteran manage their finances, that veteran can be reported to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) as mentally incompetent—without due process. This means that veterans, who have honorably served our country, can lose their Second Amendment rights without ever being deemed a danger to themselves or others by a judge.

The Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act (H.R. 1041) seeks to correct this injustice by ensuring that no veteran is automatically placed in NICS unless a judge determines they pose a danger to themselves or others. This bill restores fairness and prevents bureaucratic overreach from unjustly infringing on veterans’ rights.

Why This Matters

  • Protects Due Process: Veterans should not lose their constitutional rights without a fair legal process.
  • Prevents Bureaucratic Overreach: The VA should not have the power to decide who can or cannot own a firearm without a judicial ruling.
  • Respects Those Who Served: Veterans fought to defend our freedoms; they should not have to fight their own government to keep their rights.

How You Can Help

H.R. 1041 needs strong support from both veterans and Second Amendment advocates. Here’s what you can do:

  1. Contact Your Representative – Call, email, or write to your congressional representative and urge them to support H.R. 1041.
  2. Spread the Word – Share this information with fellow veterans, gun rights supporters, and your community.
  3. Join Advocacy Groups – Organizations like the NRA, GOA, and VFW are fighting for veterans’ rights—consider joining them in their efforts.

Time to Act

The rights of our veterans are on the line. No veteran should be denied their Second Amendment freedoms without due process. H.R. 1041 is a common-sense bill that ensures fairness and protects the very people who fought for our freedoms.

📢 Contact your representative today and demand they support H.R. 1041!

Let’s stand up for those who stood up for us.

Call 202-224-3121 to find your Congressional representative.

Contact Me: About anything, comments on articles, questions you may have, etc.