Several gun control bills have been introduced in the General Assembly following the Parkland shooting. One bill to increase the penalties for straw purchases has been passed, but additional measures have faced challenges through the amendment process.
The Senate downgraded the penalty for owning a bump stock to a misdemeanor, so it is unlikely that many people will be turning in their bump stocks.
Speaker Schwartzkopf introduced a bill increasing the age to purchase firearms from 18 to 21. However, the original bill included some exceptions and conditions which have been expanded through the amendment process.
As amended, the bill will allow 18-year-olds to purchase shotguns, muzzle-loaded rifles, .22-caliber weapons, and pistol caliber carbines. These guns are apparently considered safe for younger people to own.
In addition, anyone over 18 can own guns purchased for them by parents, guardians, or friends (with parental approval). An amendment also allows those over 18 to purchase guns if they have been validly issued a Delaware Hunting License, which costs less than $40.
This is an example of a commonsense reform becoming so watered down it becomes meaningless. Hopefully the effort to ban assault weapons will be more successful.
Jack Guerin
Wilmington
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