DOVER, Del. (AP) - The Delaware state Senate is set to consider a bill requiring gun owners to safely store firearms so they aren't obtained by people who shouldn't have them.
The proposal was scheduled for discussion in a Senate committee on Wednesday, followed by a floor vote later in the day. The legislation cleared the House on a 22-19 vote last month.
The bill makes it a misdemeanor to intentionally or recklessly leave a loaded firearm within the reach or easy access of a child or person prohibited from possessing a gun, resulting in that person obtaining the gun.
Supporters of the measure say it is a commonsense proposal to help prevent accidental shootings, suicides, and mass shootings by mentally disturbed individuals.
Opponents say it could unfairly subject law-abiding gun owners to prosecution.
