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Gov. Rick Scott considers controversial school safety bill

Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel and Broward County Schools Superintendent Robert W. Runcie listen as Florida Gov. Rick Scott speaks during a press conference outside Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Feb. 15. 2018.

All eyes are on Florida Gov. Rick Scott, as he considers a controversial bill aimed at making schools safer in the wake of the Parkland massacre.

Local parent Michelle Hodgins said since the tragedy in south Florida, it’s been harder and harder sending her children off to school.

“It’s scary,” Hodgins said.  “You might not see your kid again.  When you drop them off, you just don’t know.”

She supports the ‘Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act,’ which just cleared the Florida Legislature and is awaiting Scott’s signature.

In a statement Thursday, Scott’s office told Action News Jax, “The Governor is thoroughly reviewing the legislation. He will be meeting with victims’ families on Friday in Tallahassee before he acts.”

Also Thursday, the NAACP attacked the bill stating it “finds the very idea of arming teachers as a solution to gun violence utterly absurd and misguided.”

Scott has been outspoken against that idea as well.

But parents said enough is enough.

“I think we need it now,” Hodgins said. “I think that kids need to be safe.  It used to be the safest place in the world, now … they’re terrified.”

The governor has 15 days to sign or veto the bill.