Delaware governor signs straw purchaser bill as other gun measures stall

By Chris Eger

Delaware Gov. John Carney signed a straw buyer bill this week amid a crowd populated by gun control supporters. (Photo: Carney’s office)
Democrat Gov. John Carney has backed a list of gun control bills this session but thus far has only been able to sign one into law.
Carney approved HB 174, aimed at deterring “straw purchases” by those unable to legally buy firearms, in a public ceremony on Wednesday surrounded by gun control advocates. The measure, which passed the legislature unanimously, is an administrative move that ups the felony punishment level for those convicted in the state of obtaining a gun for someone not legally allowed to possess one. Carney billed it as a win in the battle on gun crime in Delaware that will discourage middlemen willing to make unlawful gun deals.
“This legislation takes necessary steps to toughen the penalties for purchasing a gun illegally,” Carney said. “This passed with support from both parties, emphasizing our state’s commitment to confronting the issue of gun violence.”
The new law, which took effect at signing, bumps up the penalty under Delaware statute for straw purchasing from a Class F felony, which carries up to three years in prison, to a Class E Felony,

Source: Guns.com