GOVERNOR MATT MEYER SIGNS PUBLIC SAFETY AND LAW ENFORCEMENT BILLS

"These bills reflect the best of what we can do together - honoring those who serve, caring for those who've served alongside them, and keeping our communities safe," Governor Meyer said. "I'm grateful to our legislators, law enforcement partners, and advocates who continue to make Delaware a safer, more compassionate place to live."

The first bill, Senate Bill 38, with Senate Amendment 1, was sponsored by Sen. Dave Lawson and Rep. Bill Carson. It expands support for retired law enforcement animals. The bill allows owners of retired police horses to receive up to $3,000 annually to help with veterinary and care expenses.

"From community events to critical law enforcement operations, Delaware's law enforcement horses serve bravely alongside our officers," Sen. Dave Lawson said. "This legislation helps ensure that when their service ends, they can enjoy retirement with the care and dignity they've earned through years of loyal service to the people of The First State."

A second bill, Senate Bill 112, also sponsored by Sen. Lawson and Rep. Carson, renames the Delaware State Police Training Academy in honor of Colonel James L. Ford, Jr. This recognizes his decades of service and leadership in law enforcement.

"Colonel Ford embodied what it means to serve with integrity, compassion, and unwavering commitment," Sen. Lawson stated. "Renaming the Delaware State Police Training Academy in his honor guarantees that every future trooper who walks through those doors understands the standard of excellence he set for Delaware law enforcement."

Rep. Bill Carson added, "These new laws remind us that service comes in many forms, from troopers who dedicate their lives to protecting their communities, to the horses who've stood beside them. Renaming the academy for Colonel James L. Ford, Jr, and supporting the animals who've served our state are meaningful ways to say 'thank you' to those who've given so much."

The third bill, House Bill 123, was sponsored by Rep. Nnamdi Chukwuocha and Sen. Darius Brown. It establishes a new crime for shooting at homes, businesses, vehicles, or places of worship.

"People should be able to feel safe at home, at church, in their car, and when they're out shopping," Rep. Nnamdi Chukwuocha said. "When a gun is discharged in or around these areas, regardless of whether or not someone is struck, the fear in the air almost feels tangible. You should be able to put your guard down within your own community, but current law makes it so these perpetrators face very few consequences, despite causing both psychological and property damage. I hope that this new law will bring more peace to our neighborhoods and ensure that those causing harm are punished accordingly."

Sen. Darius Brown commented on the new law, saying, "Trusted spaces like homes, churches, and places of business are where our neighbors should feel peace - not fear. Rep. Chukwuocha and I took action by introducing HB 123, which makes it a felony to discharge a firearm where Delawareans deserve to feel safe, and this law helps us remove this harmful gap in our legislature."