Simpson takes office as Florida Representative. commissioner, withdraws Freed’s claim for concealed weapons
TALLAHASSEE, Florida. — Taking office this month, Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson said on Friday that the Department of Agriculture and Human Services has dropped a lawsuit against the Florida Department of Law Enforcement in a dispute over concealed weapon license applicant information.
Former agriculture commissioner Nikki Fried filed a lawsuit in October against law enforcement seeking information about why the woman was flagged as ineligible for a license.
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While the Department of Agriculture is issuing licenses for concealed possession of weapons, law enforcement agencies are conducting background checks. If background checks indicate that applicants are not eligible for a license, FDLE notifies the Department of Agriculture.
The lawsuit came after the applicant, identified only by the initials M.S. challenged the license denial and requested a hearing before the State Division of Administrative Hearings.
As part of an administrative case, the Department of Agriculture asked the FDLE for more information about mental health issues that would disqualify MS. But FDLE declined to provide additional information, which it said was protected from disclosure under federal rule. Simpson said Friday he decided to dismiss the lawsuit “after agreeing to a resolution that meets the needs of both departments.”
The USDA press release did not provide details, but said that “FDLE will further provide legally sufficient information during DOAH (Administrative Hearings) hearings for individuals who have been denied licenses for concealed weapons.”
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texasstandard.news contributed to this report.
