DOVER, Del.- Delaware lawmakers are crafting legislation that would re-write the state's codified definition of a firearm to exclude many types of weapons not classified as guns.
Currently, state code states that firearms are classified as weapons from which a shot, projectile or other object may be discharged by force of combustion, explosive, gas, mechanical means. The weapon can either be operable or inoperable and may be loaded or unloaded. The law does not include BB guns.
Sen. Brian Pettyjohn (R-Georgetown) said that definition does not fall in line with the federal definition of firearms, which is hinged upon a projectile being expelled from a weapon by an explosion.
"Currently under Delaware law, things like a slingshot, crossbow --- all those are considered firearms," he said.
Pettyjohn said the legislation is being crafted alongside Rep. Jeff Spiegelman (R-Clayton) and could be filed in the coming weeks.
However, he said he believes the state attorney general's office may raise concerns about the bill because the existing definition of a firearm in Delaware code could allow for some leniency on how someone is charged.
Mat Marshall, a spokesman for Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings, had little to say about the planned legislation to redefine firearms but acknowledged the interaction between the Department of Justice, Pettyjohn, and Spiegelman had taken place.
"We are withholding judgment of the legislation until we’ve seen a final version," he said.