Governor, Democratic leadership release gun-control package
Gov. John Carney, along with Senate and House Democratic leadership, announced a package of gun-control bills June 2 that includes banning the sale and possession of assault weapons, and raising the minimum age to 21 for the purchase of most firearms.
“We have an obligation to do everything we can to prevent tragedies like we’ve seen across the country from happening here in Delaware,” said Carney. “This is a historic, meaningful package of legislation, and I look forward to seeing these bills on my desk this session.”
House Bill 450, the assault weapon ban, has exceptions for military and law enforcement. The gun package includes Senate Bill 6, which would limit high-capacity magazines, and HB 451, which would strengthen background checks. Two bills that have not yet been introduced are one that would hold gun manufacturers and dealers liable for reckless or negligent actions that lead to gun violence, and another that would ban the use of devices to convert handguns into fully automatic weapons.
“Last week, an 18-year-old legally purchased a military-style semiautomatic rifle and used it days later to murder 19 elementary school students and two teachers in Uvalde, Texas. Ten days earlier, an 18-year-old used a legally purchased semiautomatic rifle to kill 10 people at a supermarket in Buffalo, N.Y. The incidents have reignited discussions across the nation about gun safety and calls for legislative action to prevent future tragedies, and we are answering that call,” said House Speaker Pete Schwartzkopf, Majority Leader Valerie Longhurst and Majority Whip Larry Mitchell in a joint statement. “Taken together, these bills will have a significant and meaningful impact in combating gun violence and preventing future tragedies from happening in Delaware. While we can’t change the past, we can learn from it and try to prevent it from happening here. We are committed to passing strong firearm legislation that will make our communities safer.”
HB 450 and 451 will be heard in the House Administration Committee Wednesday, June 8. If HB 450 is released from committee, it will be heard on the House floor Thursday, June 9. The Senate will consider HB 450 and 451 promptly following House passage. The remainder of the package will be considered by both chambers before the end of June.
