Delaware Gov. John Carney, Sen. Bryan Townsend, and House Majority Leader Valerie Longhurst on Thursday announced legislation to ban future sales, purchases and transfers of “assault-style” weapons in Delaware.
The legislation would prohibit the sale and transfer of specific firearms in Delaware, as well as copycat weapons that meet certain criteria.
The bill would prohibit the transportation of assault-style weapons across state lines into Delaware, subject to certain exceptions, a release stated.
The bill would not ban possession of any weapons purchased legally before the legislation’s effective date.
The legislation would allow possession in a lawful owner’s home, their place of business, a shooting range, and during an exhibition, display, or educational exhibit.
Licensed firearms dealers and manufacturers would be permitted to sell or transfer any assault-style weapons in their inventory as of the effective date of the legislation to a licensed firearm dealer in another state or to an individual purchaser in another state through a licensed firearms dealer.
Among other individuals and entities, the bill includes exceptions for law enforcement officers, military personnel, and certain testing and repair facilities.
Sponsors face an uphill battle.
Legislation to ban “bump stocks” that were used in the mass shooting in Las Vegas has been stalled. The opposition has also been strong to raising the minimum buying age for rifles to 21.
Hard-core opponents continue to claim any restriction is an effort to confiscate their guns.
California and some East Coast states, including New Jersey and Maryland have assault weapons bans.
At one point, President Donald Trump indicated he was leaning toward an assault weapons ban, but later backed away from that stance. A poll in February showed a substantial majority of Americans favor a ban.
