As the Delaware legislature convenes to open their 2023 legislative session today, lawmakers will once again have the opportunity to pass common sense gun safety measures. In response to the tragic mass shootings in Buffalo, New York and Uvalde, Texas, we applaud the legislature and Delaware Governor John Carney for passing and signing into law a comprehensive package of gun safety bills. The package included legislation to prohibit assault weapons, regulate high capacity magazines, strengthen background checks, raise the minimum age requirement to purchase or possess a firearm from 18 to 21, prohibit machine gun converter devices, and hold the gun industry accountable for their role in perpetuating Delaware’s gun violence crisis. However, the House failed to pass permit to purchase legislation — a life saving gun safety law that ensures accountability amongst gun owners and keeps guns out of the hands of bad actors.
During the 2023 legislative session Moms Demand Action volunteers will continue to call on lawmakers to protect our communities and quickly pass permit to purchase legislation — last session the bill made it through the Senate and House Judiciary Committee, but was stalled in the House Appropriations Committee. Moms Demand Action volunteers will also advocate for the legislature to reform the Law Enforcement Bill of Rights to ensure law enforcement accountability — particularly in engagements within the Black and Brown community who often bear the brunt of police violence.
Moms Demand Action volunteers look forward to partnering with the legislature, Governor Carney, and community partners in the gun safety movement this upcoming session to support the implementation of the gun laws already passed and get the permit to purchase legislation across the finish line.
Here’s what you need to know about gun violence in Delaware:
- In an average year in Delaware, 111 people die by guns
- The rate of gun deaths increased 75% from 2011 to 2020
- The vast majority (83%) of all homicides include a gun
- Gun violence costs Delaware $1.4 billion each year
If you have any questions, or would like to request an interview with a volunteer from Delaware Moms Demand Action or Students Demand Action, please don’t hesitate to reach out.