Last month, State Representative Joel Rudman announced his resignation from the Florida House to pursue a congressional seat in Florida’s First District, which was vacated by Matt Gaetz. The resignation is effective January 1, 2025.
In the waning days of his political career in the state legislature, Rudman has filed a bill in the Florida House:
“Navarre, Fla. – December 9, 2024 – From State Representative Rudman: “Today, we reaffirm Florida’s commitment to the Constitution, and once again, the Third District leads the way.
“As my first bill for the 2025 session, I have filed a comprehensive piece of legislation that restores and protects our inalienable rights as guaranteed by the Second Amendment. Not only does my legislation repeal the unconstitutional red flag laws that have been in place since 2018, but it also allows for open carry of firearms in the state.
“It is time for our state to act less like California and to act more like the Free State of Florida. I look forward to our state once again earning the title of the Gunshine State, where citizens are no longer asked to trade God-given freedoms for a politician’s empty promise of security.”
The special primary election for this congressional seat is scheduled for January 28, 2025, with the general election set for April 1, 2025.
State Representative Joel Rudman has sponsored several bills during his tenure in the Florida House. Some of the notable bills include:
1. Protections of Medical Conscience Act (SB 1580/HB 1403): This bill allows healthcare providers and insurers to opt out of procedures that conflict with their conscience.
2. Bill Repealing Unlimited Time for Background Checks: Rudman sponsored a bill to repeal the statute allowing unlimited time for background checks in Florida, though it did not pass.
3. HB 11— Invalid Restrictive Covenants with Physicians: This bill aimed to address restrictive covenants that prohibit physicians from practicing in certain areas, but it died in the Healthcare Regulation Subcommittee.
4. HB 15—Contracts for Live Entertainment: This bill also did not advance beyond the Regulatory Reform & Economic Development Subcommittee.
5. CS/HB 17—Expiration of the Mandatory Waiting Period for Firearm Purchases: This bill was introduced by Rudman but died in the Rules Committe.
