Gov. to Approve Use of Weapon in Self-Defense

Gov. Jeb Bush said in Tallahassee that he intended to sign a bill that would allow people who feel threatened -- even on the street or at a baseball game -- to “meet force with force” and defend themselves with a weapon without fear of prosecution.

The measure, the top priority of the National Rifle Assn. in Florida this year, passed by a 94-20 vote in the House on Tuesday. It had been approved by the Senate.

“I’m sorry, people, but if I’m attacked I shouldn’t have a duty to retreat,” said the bill’s sponsor, state Rep. Dennis K. Baxley, a Republican. “That’s a good way to get shot in the back.”