In June 2022, Governor John Carney signed the Delaware Lethal Firearms Safety Act of 2022, a landmark package of six gun safety bills, marking a significant moment in the state’s legislative history. This comprehensive approach to gun safety includes several critical components aimed at reducing gun violence and enhancing public safety:
Assault Weapons Ban: The legislation prohibits the manufacture, sale, offer to sell, transfer, purchase, receipt, possession, or transport of assault weapons within the state, with certain exceptions for individuals who lawfully possessed such weapons prior to the enactment of the law.
Age Restrictions: It raises the age requirement to purchase most firearms from 18 to 21, addressing concerns about gun access among younger individualsBackground Checks and Firearm Transaction Approval: The Firearm Transaction Approval Program has been reinstated to strengthen background checks, ensuring that firearms do not fall into the wrong hands.
High-Capacity Magazine Limits: The legislation sets limits on high-capacity magazines, aiming to reduce the lethality of firearms used in mass shootingsLiability for Gun Manufacturers and Dealers: New provisions hold gun manufacturers and dealers accountable for reckless or negligent actions that contribute to gun violence