Bill to ban selling and trading of ivory in Del.

On Thursday, the Delaware Senate voted in favor of a bill to ban the selling or purchasing of ivory in the first state. But the bill has exemptions, all materials that are 100 years old, or older, are excused.

The purchasing and selling of ivory or rhinoceros horn is legal when it comes to any scientific and educational purposes. New Jersey state Senator Raymond Lesniak testified in Delaware and successfully had the same ban in his home state. But 47 ABC spoke with Delaware Senator Brian Pettyjohn and he says, he has concerns.

Senator Pettyjohn tells 47 ABC, “My concerns about the bill is how it will devalue. If you cant buy, sell, or trade it anymore then we have now said, you know, your family heirloom, your heirloom is not worth anything.”

Anyone who violates the ban could get slapped with a criminal misdemeanor charge and face a civil penalty up to $10,000.