DOVER, Del. – Today, the Delaware chapters of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, both part of Everytown for Gun Safety’s grassroots network, released the following statements applauding Governor John Carney for signing four critical gun safety measures into law. Volunteers with Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action were present for today’s signing at the University of Delaware’s Riverfront Campus.
“Volunteers like me have been on the frontlines of advocating for stronger gun safety measures because we know that they can save lives. We’re grateful to have partners in the legislature and in Governor Carney who have joined us in this fight and made a safer future possible,” said Isheta Smith, a volunteer with the Delaware chapter of Moms Demand Action. “By keeping deadly firearms out of the hands of those in crisis and out of places where they don’t belong, these laws will save lives across Delaware and build on the progress we made earlier this year. Our lawmakers aren’t taking their foot off the gas for a second, they are demonstrating what a real commitment to gun safety looks like.”
“Gen Z is fighting for freedom and that includes the freedom to be safe from gun violence. Thanks to our gun sense lawmakers and Governor Carney, we’re one step closer to that goal today,” said Sydney McLean, a volunteer leader with the Hodgson Vocational Technical High School Students Demand Action chapter. “This gun sense legislation will better protect our communities from senseless violence, especially on college campuses. As a student heading to college this fall, policies like prohibiting guns on campus not only make me feel safe – but I know that it will go on to save lives.”
The measures Governor Carney signed into law today include:
- HB 342, which establishes a voluntary program allowing individuals to temporarily waive their own ability to purchase or otherwise obtain firearms. Anyone who has concerns about their own mental health can enroll in this program, which also includes procedures for voluntary removal later.
- HB 311, which prohibits the possession of firearms on college campuses, with some exceptions for certain authorized individuals.
- HB 155, which requires the secure storage of firearms in unattended vehicles, mandating that they be stored in a locked container, rack, or trunk.
- HB 270, which requires licensed gun dealers to keep ammunition inventory inaccessible by customers without the assistance of an employee; this bill also requires dealers to have theft and loss prevention plans in place and to report any ammunition thefts or losses as conditions for licensing.
In an average year in Delaware, 123 people die by guns and 305 are wounded. Gun violence costs Delaware $1.4 billion each year, of which $44.4 million is paid by taxpayers. More information on gun violence in Delaware is available here.
To speak to a local volunteer with Moms Demand Action, a volunteer with Students Demand Action, or a policy expert, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
