Delaware – During its first committee meetings after Spring Recess, the Delaware legislature moved forward two significant pieces of legislation concerning deadly weapons. The first bill, introduced by State Rep. Mara Gorman (D-Newark), would provide immunity to nonprofit organizations distributing new secure gun storage and safety devices. The goal of the legislation is to encourage nonprofits, particularly hospitals and community organizations, to distribute gun locks for safe storage without the fear of liability should the device malfunction.
However, some representatives and National Rifle Association (NRA) lobbyist Rick Armitage argued that the protections should extend to all organizations, not just nonprofits. In addition to the gun safety bill, lawmakers advanced a bipartisan proposal to legalize switchblades in Delaware, one of the few states where automatic knives are banned. State Sen. Jack Walsh (D-Stanton), the bill’s sponsor, argued that the knives are commonly used by tradesmen and outdoor enthusiasts. The bill would allow switchblades but still prosecute individuals for weapon-related offenses if used in an attack.
Additionally, the bill would change Delaware’s definition of “ordinary pocketknife” to allow a blade up to 3.75 inches.
