Delaware Legislators Pass Safe Storage Gun Bill

Both chambers of the Delaware state legislature has approved a bill that would require the “safe storage” of firearms, so that those who are not legally allowed to access them cannot do so.

Democratic Governor John Carney signed House Bill 63 on Thursday. It expands an existing provision regarding unlawfully permitting a child access to a firearm to a broader prohibition against “unsafe storage of a firearm.” The new law makes it a misdemeanor if authorities determine that a gun owner intentionally or recklessly leaves a loaded firearm within the reach or easy access of a child or person prohibited from possessing a gun, resulting in the person obtaining the firearm.

A gun owner could face a higher-level misdemeanor if the unauthorized person used the firearm to commit a crime, gave it to another unauthorized person, or used it to seriously injure or kill someone. Gun control activists have applauded the legislation while second amendment rights groups believe it is unconstitutional and tries to legislation something responsible gun owners already do.