DOVER – The House passed legislation Tuesday aimed at reducing gun violence and protecting residents from domestic violence.
Sponsored by Rep. Krista Griffith, House Bill 124 would prohibit the subject of an outstanding arrest warrant or an active indictment related to a felony or misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, from purchasing a firearm. The person must know that they are the subject of an arrest warrant or active indictment. It also closes a loophole by ensuring that anyone knowingly subject to a protection from abuse order cannot purchase, own or possess a deadly weapon, firearm or ammunition.
“Separating from an abusive relationship is the most dangerous time for a victim of domestic violence. Studies show that over half of women killed by an intimate partner are killed with a firearm,” said Rep. Griffith, D-Fairfax. “This bill will close a loophole in the system to protect victims of domestic violence and stop further acts of violence from being committed by a firearm.”
During the past five years, 29 of 41 domestic violence-related fatalities – more than 70% – in Delaware involved firearms.
“Victims of domestic abuse will be able to gain some peace of mind knowing their abusers must turn in their weapons while there is an active order of protection against them,” said Sen. Laura Sturgeon, the lead Senate sponsor. “Self-defense is often cited as an important reason for gun ownership. In that same vein, self-defense is an important reason to deny domestic abusers access to guns. I am proud to be the Senate sponsor of this important piece of legislation.”
HB 124, which passed the House unanimously, now heads to the Senate for consideration.
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