MID SESSION UPDATE
THANK GOODNESS the first half of the Legislative session is over! However, since it’s not the end of this session, all pending bills will remain active into the 2nd half.
Let’s get into it!
Senate Substitute 1 for SB 2 (permit to purchase) did NOT pass this half of session. It will remain an active bill, The progressives have vowed to pass it come January, no matter what their constituents want and in spite of the State/Federal Constitutions.
In anticipation of its passing, the Delaware State Sportsmen’s Association is preparing the lawsuit now. They will file suit no later than the day after it is signed into law.
Permit to purchase would require all lawful Delawareans to go through the same process as those seeking their concealed carry permits, divulge a plethora of personal information that is irrelevant to the process, and be subjected to denial based solely on opinions of their local authorities.
The permitting process would cost hundreds of dollars and take months to gain approval for the state’s permission to purchase a firearm, even just for home defense.
This expensive and lengthy process will leave women, victims fleeing domestic abuse, single parents, and low income families unable to access their 2nd Amendment rights.
“I am committed to spending these next few months working with the Senate and governor’s office to pass a permit to purchase when we return to session in January; this bill is the next piece of the puzzle to keeping our communities safe, and I’m looking forward to passing it into law,” says newly appointed Speaker of the House, Valerie Longhurst.”
HB 201 (Safe School & Recreation Zones)- PASSED w/ Amendments
Senate Amendment 3, introduced by Senator Pettyjohn separated School Zone from Recreation Zone.
A Safe School Zone no longer includes within 1,000 feet of the school property, buildings, vehicles, etc. This ends the issue of “roaming school zones” and protects those who live in close proximity of a Safe School Zone.
CCDW permit holders are permitted to have their firearm in their vehicle ONLY while on school property.
HB 202 ( Polling Place Prohibition) - PASSED
Whether open carry or concealed, you are no longer allowed to have a firearm in a polling place. This includes polling places being utilized for early voting and all elections; County, Municipal, State, School Board, etc. This does not include parking lots or adjoining structures.
HB 155 (Safe Vehicle Storage) -DID NOT PASS
This bill will remain active into the final half of session and could be passed once session starts up again in January.
The Women’s Defense Coalition of Delaware remains committed to fighting unconstitutional laws that do nothing to impact those who choose to violate the law while also creating excessive barriers for law abiding citizens.
The 2nd Amendment is vital in preserving our right to self-protection. As shown in Caetano V Mass, the 2nd Amendment protects even non-lethal tools for protection.
As women we understand that a simple trip to get gas can turn into something ominous. Unfortunately, our legislature seems to put the wants of the violent ahead of the needs of the innocent.
It is for this reason we will continue to be a voice for women at Legislative Hall, join forces with other pro 2A powerhouses, work diligently to inform the public, and to organize as many free or low cost opportunities for women to learn how to be their best 1st line of defense… No matter which tool they choose!
