Delaware Permit To Purchase bill to be reintroduced next session

DELAWARE -Delaware Lawmakers say their efforts to implement a Permit To purchase system for handguns in the first state will have to wait until the next legislative session.

Introduced by Senate Majority Whip Elizabeth Lockman in April and passed by the Senate in May, Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 2 would add Delaware to a growing list of states that require residents to complete a firearm training course and obtain a permit before purchasing a handgun, the weapon most often used in Delaware gun deaths.

Governor Carney says SS 1 to SB 2 will be one of his office’s priorities in 2024.

“There is nothing more important than keeping our communities safe,” Governor Carney said adding  “We continue to make progress here in Delaware around gun safety, I look forward to working with the General Assembly to pass and sign Senate Bill 2 into law in January.”

Speaker Valerie Longhurst also agreed to move SS 1 for SB 2 forward next year.

“For the past decade, we have passed some of the most comprehensive gun safety laws in the country, making Delaware a leader by strengthening our background checks, closing loopholes, banning assault-style firearms and large-capacity magazines, and instituting red flag laws. I’ve been proud to sponsor many of these bills and stand up to the gun lobby,” Longhurst said.

“I am committed to spending these next few months working with the Senate and governor’s office to pass a permit to purchase when we return to session in January; this bill is the next piece of the puzzle to keeping our communities safe, and I’m looking forward to passing it into law,” she said.