On Tuesday afternoon, the Senate approved an amended version of a disputed bill that will require Delaware firearms dealers to be licensed by the state and to comply with new regulations established under the measure.
Sponsors and critics of the bill alike describe the measure as an imperfect but meaningful compromise.
Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 300 (as amended), sponsored by Senate President Pro Tem David Sokola (D-Newark), will require anyone engaging in the sale or transfer of guns, including pawnbrokers and Federal Firearms License holders (FFLs), to obtain a new state firearms dealer license.
Supporters of the measure claimed that federal supervision of firearms dealers is lacking and that stronger regulations and oversight on the state level are needed to reduce the number of guns acquired by criminals.
Opponents say the overwhelming majority of firearms dealers operate responsibly and that the firearms used in gun crimes are often obtained through illegal means, such as theft or straw purchases, not the result of dealers knowingly making illicit transactions. They say they are concerned the new mandates will increase costs and coerce firearms dealers into abandoning the business.
The House sponsor of the bill, State Rep. Mara Gorman (D-Newark), worked with State Rep. Jeff Spiegelman (R-Townsend, Smyrna, Clayton) and firearm rights advocates to craft a compromise. The revised measure eases targeted restrictions, reduces some burdens on smaller dealers, and makes clear that the new protocols will not create a registry of firearms owners.
The amended bill also includes a provision expanding opportunities for licensed dealers to participate in gun shows, sportsman shows, outdoor shows, or similar events. Additionally, one of the revisions mandates that the Delaware State Police engage with stakeholders and advocacy groups to guide the creation of the regulations to implement the law.
