After passing in the state Senate on May 31, House Bill 48 was returned to the House of Representatives for concurrence due to a slight technical amendment adopted in the Senate. Today, the state House suspended its rules, brought HB 48 to the house floor and passed it by a wide margin. With the House’s concurrence, HB 48 will now be sent to the Governor for his approval. This legislation is designed to update Delaware state law to meet the requirements set forth in the Federal NICS Improvement Amendments Act (NIAA).
Sponsored by state Representative Valarie Longhurst (D-15), HB 48 would require the state to provide mental health information to the NICS database if the individual, as a result of a mental health adjudication, is prohibited from possessing a firearm. HB 48 would also provide a relief-from-disabilities process allowing an individual to get their firearm rights restored.
In addition to conforming Delaware law to the NIAA. House Bill 48 would also repeal Delaware’s Instant Check system for firearm purchases and move all background checks to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). When NICS took effect in 1998 Delaware’s Instant Check was rendered obsolete and redundant for Delaware's firearm purchasers and taxpayers.
At this time no action is needed on your part. Please continue to check your e-mail and www.NRAILA.org for future updates on this legislation.
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