Delaware House Committee Passes Bill to Ban Guns on College Grounds

Three pieces of legislation passed through Delaware’s House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday. The proposals restrict guns on university or college campuses, narrow the definition of a firearm, and establish a volunteer registry in which residents can add their names to a list that will prevent gun dealers from selling them weapons.

Prohibiting Weapons on College Campuses

Democratic Rep. Cyndie Romer proposed a bill in committee that would prohibit anyone from knowingly possessing a handgun while on or near a college or university campus. Camay DeSilva, 18, was shot and killed on the Delaware State University campus in Dover over the weekend while visiting friends.

“College campuses are dynamic, and often stressful environments where emotions can run high increasing the likelihood for tragic incidents,” according to Romer. “Introducing weapons in settings where people may be experiencing mental health issues raises worries about the possibility of self-harm or suicide. Overall, the presence of guns on college campuses undermines the sense of security that our schools and universities should provide.

The Delaware State Sportsman Association opposed the legislation.

A Voluntary No-Buy List

Katrina Brees has been advocating for legislation in states around the country that would allow people to self-identify as people who should not purchase a firearm due to mental health issues. In 2018, her mother, Donna, a New Orleans resident, drove to a gun store and purchased a firearm. Brees claimed her mother was mentally sick and frequently had suicidal thoughts.

“My mom would have signed up for this list because she definitely did not want to die,” Brees was quoted as saying. “She always did everything she could to prevent her suicide.”

The legislation, proposed by Democratic Rep. Eric Morrison, would establish a voluntary list of those who desire to be added to the do-not-sell list. If a person requests to be removed from the voluntary list, it will take no more than 30 days. Those who are forbidden from possessing a firearm cannot use the voluntary list since they are unable to purchase one.

Republican Rep. Jeffrey Spegielman said he would like the bill to compel disclosure of mental health options to those on and off the list.

Redefining a Dangerous Weapon

Spiegelman’s measure would define a firearm more narrowly under state law. His bill would define a dangerous weapon as a firearm, bomb, knife, club and baton, razor, bicycle chain, slingshot, or ice pick. It also defines a projectile weapon as a bow, crossbow, airbow, airgun, or any weapon that fires an arrow, crossbow bolt, or spear.

John Taylor, a homicide prosecutor with the Delaware Department of Justice, expressed concerns about the measure, including shifting terminology that could lead to extra litigation and a modification to the definition of a projectile weapon, which now encompasses more types of weapons. His testimony sparked a brief, emotional exchange with Democratic Rep. Sean Lynn, who said the prosecutor’s objections were “political.”

“It seems to be a fairly comprehensive definition,” she remarked. “This raises the question of whether the argument is presented in good faith. Because, after reading it, I don’t see any grounds for re-litigation here.”

The legislation is now ready for a vote in the House.