Carney enacts laws to strengthen Delaware’s gun control.

Gun Owners in Delaware Face ‌New Restrictions on Carrying Firearms

Gun owners in Delaware will now face stricter regulations on carrying firearms in certain locations, according to a pair of ‍bills signed⁢ by Governor ‌John ⁣Carney. These measures aim to enhance safety by prohibiting the carrying⁤ of firearms at schools, entertainment venues, and polling stations.

Protecting Safe Zones and Election Sites

One of ‌the bills, signed‌ on ‍Friday, establishes a⁢ “safe ⁣zone” around schools‌ and entertainment properties,‌ within which carrying concealed firearms ‌is prohibited for all Delawareans ⁤except law enforcement officers.⁤ Students found‌ with weapons in these areas may face expulsion for⁣ up to 90‌ days.

The second measure restricts‍ the​ carrying​ of guns at polling locations during federal, state,⁣ and local ⁣elections, ‍allowing only on-duty police officers,‌ security guards, and active-duty ⁤military members to be armed.

Addressing Concerns and Upholding Rights

These bills were championed by ‌Democrats who argued ⁢that ⁤stricter gun control measures were necessary in light of the increasing number of school shootings⁣ and gun violence ⁤across the nation. However, Second Amendment groups have voiced⁣ opposition, ⁤contending that ‍these changes unfairly penalize law-abiding⁤ gun owners without effectively addressing the issue of illegal firearms.

During the legislative debate, Republican lawmakers raised concerns about the effectiveness of these restrictions in⁢ preventing school shootings⁤ and expressed worries ⁢about potential infringements on the rights of lawful gun owners​ in the state.

Expected​ Legal‍ Challenges

As with previous attempts to tighten Delaware’s gun ⁣control laws, these​ newly signed ‍bills ⁢are anticipated to face legal challenges‍ from Second Amendment groups. Last year, Governor Carney signed a comprehensive package of gun⁢ control measures, which also encountered legal opposition.

The sportsman‍ association, a state-level affiliate of ‍the National Rifle Association, filed a lawsuit arguing that the stricter restrictions violated Second Amendment rights and Delaware’s Constitution, which⁤ guarantees the right ​to own and‌ carry ⁣firearms.

The outcome ⁢of the case is still pending, but ⁢it is ⁤part of a broader trend ⁣of legal challenges across the country following the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in the N.Y. State ⁤Rifle and Pistol Association‌ v. Bruen’s case. This decision prompted reviews of firearm ​licensing laws ⁤in Democrat-led states, leading ⁤to further legal battles with Second Amendment groups.

Gun owners and ​advocates on both sides‍ of the debate‌ will be closely watching ⁢the developments in Delaware as the legal landscape surrounding gun control continues⁤ to evolve.

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