Florida Democrats have backing for vote on special session

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Florida House and Senate Democrats have submitted enough letters to the Secretary of State’s Office to trigger a poll of members on whether to have a special session related to toughening gun laws following the massacre of 49 club patrons.

Senator Darren Soto said Tuesday that he’s submitted 46 letters from representatives in both chambers.

The Democrats are pushing to toughen gun laws to prevent known terrorists and those on the no-fly and FBI watch lists from legally obtaining a gun license. The proposed legislation would also require a thorough investigation of anyone removed from those lists who wants to obtain a gun.

Pulse nightclub shooter Omar Mateen had previously been investigated by the FBI, but was cleared to own a gun prior to the shooting earlier this month.