Delaware: Maryland-Style Permit to Purchase Scheme Still on the Table This Legislative Session

Last year, the Delaware State Senate passed Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 2 (SB2), to impose a Maryland-style “handgun qualified purchase card” and a handgun transfer registry. NRA-ILA, along with pro-gun activists, were able to keep this bill from receiving a vote on the House floor. 

SB 2 is still alive and could be brought up for a vote in the Delaware House. Contact your state representative now and tell them to OPPOSE SB 2.

Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 2 (SB 2) requires citizens to obtain a deceptively named “handgun qualified purchaser permit” to purchase or receive a handgun, with an exemption for carry permit holders. To obtain a permit, an applicant is required to, at their own expense, take an approved training course and to submit fingerprints. The permits are to be renewed annually, although the training course is valid for five years. The State Bureau of Identification has up to 30 days to issue a permit, which creates a perpetual cycle of costs and delays to maintain your ability to purchase a handgun. Additionally, this legislation creates a registry of all lawful handgun transfers. 

NRA-ILA is actively working to stop this legislation and will keep you informed as the legislative session continues.