Markell signs gun purchase loophole legislation

Governor Jack Markell (D-Del.) tweeted a photo Wednesday with the caption “Proud to sign HB 325 closing a loophole & preventing people from buying guns w.out a background check. #netDE.“

House Bill 325, an Act to amend Title 11 of the Delaware Code relating to Criminal History background check in connection with the sale, transfer, or delivery of firearms, passed the House and Senate on Tuesday.

47 ABC was told this week that nationwide, if there are no red flags on a National Instant Criminal Background System Check, — 92% of screenings go through in seconds, allowing many folks to buy a gun on the spot.

However, there’s always that small chance of a hold up.

A loophole in the system allows three days for the national identity check system to get back to the gun owner. If they do not, the gun owner can sell anyone that gun.

If that report eventually comes back awry, law enforcement is required to come back and take that gun from the purchaser.

For the past three years, 40 such cases reportedly happened in Delaware.

Thursday, Gov. Markell was the final step in the process to decide that the new rule would allow the national background check to take 25 days in the first state.

While democrats are celebrating the victory along the lines of gun control, many republicans argue that the extension of days may hurt businesses that sell guns.