Delaware Gov. John Carney says the General Assembly will plunge into the issue of gun control
The debate over banning assault rifles and taking other steps to limit access to firearms those with mental health problems raises risks for members of both parties, following the school shooting in Florida will come to the House and Senate floor, the governor indicated.
Delaware does restrict gun sales to those 21 or over, but does not have a minimum age on gun possession.
“Over the past several years, Delaware has made progress in strengthening our gun safety laws, to help give law enforcement the tools they need to more effectively confront gun violence. We’re also continuing to work with school districts to ensure that Delaware schools have up-to-date safety plans, and to provide training so students and educators know how to respond in the face of violence. But more needs to be done,” Carney stated.
Caney continued, “We are already working with Rep. David Bentz to pass the Beau Biden Gun Violence Prevention Act, which will keep weapons out of the hands of those who mental health professionals and judges believe present a danger to themselves or others. I have also urged the General Assembly to pass a bill, introduced by Representative Valerie Longhurst, that would ban bump stock devices.”
Carney concluded, “In the coming weeks, my team will work closely with lawmakers to craft legislation that would prohibit the sale of assault-style rifles in Delaware. As we have seen in Las Vegas, Parkland, and in many other horrific incidents across our country, military-style weapons can be used to carry out catastrophic acts of violence. They have no place on the streets of our neighborhoods.”
Known for taking a cautious approach on hot-button issues, Carney is facing pressure from parents, students and others who have grown tired of the wave of mass shootings at schools and other public areas and the usual response from gun-friendly groups.
The debate would expose tensions within the General Assembly between legislators north and South of the C&D Canal. Donald Trump carried both Kent and Sussex counties, thanks in part to a pro-gun agenda.
House Republican leader Danny Short, R-Seaford issued a statement expressing opposition to the Beau Biden proposal and curbs on semi-automatics but left the door open for other reforms.
“I, and my caucus colleagues, generally support a ban on the sale and use of so-called bump-stocks and trigger-crank devices,” Short added.
Short stated that the GOP caucus supports, HB 285 a measure that “has bipartisan support and is far more comprehensive in its approach.”
“The proposed assault weapon sales ban is a misguided effort that will only serve to further politically polarize Delawareans with no hope of making any real impact on the desired goal of reducing isolated incidents of mass violence,” Short concluded.
The National Rifle Association maintains a powerful presence within the General Assembly and has helped weaken or stop restrictions proposed in the past.
Others view any gun legislation as a distraction from budget and revenue issues facing the state. Democrats have been eager to advance a social agenda in what some say is an effort to avoid tough fiscal decisions.
Some will also question the effectiveness of any Delaware effort, given the laxity of gun laws in neighboring Pennsylvania. Maryland and New Jersey have more restrictive laws.
