Delaware Gov. signs criminal justice bills

DOVER, Del. – Governor John Carney signed three bills this week that aim to improve the state’s criminal code.

The trio is designed to reform the system by breaking down barriers for employment, refocusing youth justice and more.

House Bill 77, House Bill 78 and House Bill 47 talk about simplifying the burglary, robbery and drug codes in the state.

One house bill seeks to eliminate mandatory sentence enhancements that disproportionately impact those who face substance abuse disorders.

According to the City of Dover Mayor Robin Christiansen, there is still a big need for more changes.

“I salute the Governor and the legislature for their efforts,” said Christiansen.

“Certainly we want to be fair and balanced and just to all of our citizens, but if you do a crime there has to be some kind of consequence, and I think we really need to take that into account because we’re trying to protect all of our community,” said Christiansen.

According to the office of Governor John Carney, these three bills are part of the most ambitious criminal justice package Delaware has seen in a decade.