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
-
A letter to the editor expresses a reader's opinion and, as such, is not reflective of the editorial opinions of this newspaper.
To submit a letter to the editor for publishing, send an email to viewpoints@capegazette.com. All letters are considered at the discretion of the newsroom and published as space allows. Due to the large volume of submissions, we cannot acknowledge receipt of each submission. Letters must include a phone number and address for verification. Keep letters to 400 words or fewer. We reserve the right to edit for content or length. Letters should be responsive to issues addressed in the Cape Gazette rather than content from other publications or media. Letters should focus on local issues, not national topics or personalities. Only one letter per author will be published every 30 days regarding a particular topic. Authors may submit a second letter within that time period if it pertains to a different issue. Letters may not be critical of personalities or specific businesses. Criticism of public figures is permissible. Endorsement letters for political candidates are no longer accepted. Letters must be the author’s original work, and may not be generated by artificial intelligence tools. Templates, form letters and letters containing language similar to other submissions will not be published.
