Dover – By a vote of 40 – 1 the State House today sent to the Governor a bill that subjects offenders who use guns to commit crime to significantly higher jail sentences.  Senate Bill 40 adds the crime of “Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony” to the list of serious violent felonies that can trigger a life prison sentence under Delaware’s habitual offender statute.

“Gun violence is a threat to families in every corner of our state, and it has to stop,” Attorney General Biden said.  “With this bill we are sending a clear message that you will pay a heavy price if you commit a crime with a gun.”

The “Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony” charge was not an offense at the time the habitual offender statute was enacted in 1970.   SB 40 was introduced by Sen. Bruce Ennis, D-Smyrna, a retired state trooper, and Rep. Larry Mitchell, a retired New Castle County police officer. It was introduced in the Senate in April and passed the Senate unanimously on May 9.

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