Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Gun Violence Prevention topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
House passes bill to codify Office of Gun Violence Prevention into state law
Summary
On May 14, 2026 the Delaware House passed HB 3 69, sponsored by Representative Gorman, to place the Office of Gun Violence Prevention and Community Safety into statute, making its director and coordinating role permanent; opponents raised concerns about efficacy and fiscal clarity. The bill passed by roll call (27–12, 2 absent).
The Delaware House on May 14 passed House Bill 3 69, which would codify the Office of Gun Violence Prevention and Community Safety into state statute and designate a director to coordinate agencies and community groups. Representative Gorman, the bill sponsor, said the measure "puts that office into state law so that its work is protected, its mandate is clear, and its future doesn't depend on any single administration's priorities."
Why it matters: The bill moves an office created by executive order into permanent statute and is intended to improve coordination between state agencies, law enforcement, and community organizations that provide outreach and violence-intervention services. Gorman said the office will "connect those pieces" and help community groups apply for grants they cannot pursue while the office exists only under an executive order.
Opponents questioned whether codification will measurably reduce gun deaths and raised concerns about cost and expanding government. Representative Halofsky asked "how is that gonna be better?" and later said, "I just can't support the bill," arguing the state already ranks highly on certain policy measures and expressing concern about adding another government program. Gorman responded that the office already exists by executive order, that current staff costs are covered by existing budgets, and that codification will allow the office to apply for grants once it is a statutory entity.
Sponsor-provided context included public-health statistics cited on the floor: "According to the CDC's most recent figures, 124 Delawareans died from gun violence in 2023," and a House floor statement noted an estimated annual statewide cost of $1,300,000,000. Representative Gorman described the measure as modest in scope but intended to provide permanence and a single point of coordination.
The House approved the bill on roll call. The Chief Clerk announced the roll-call result as 27 yes, 12 no, 2 absent; the Speaker declared that House Bill 3 69 "is hereby passed the House." Following the vote Representative Gorman introduced officials from the Department of Homeland Security who were present in the chamber.
