Gov. John Carney signs a bill requiring firearm training before purchasing a handgun in Delaware, better known as permit-to-purchase.
Under the new law, an approved training course must be completed within five years of the firearm purchase date, with concealed carry permit holders and current or retired law-enforcement officers exempt from the requirement.
The bill was ultimately passed with four amendments attached, although 23 other amendments were either stricken or defeated during debates in both chambers.
The bill’s author, Senate Majority Whip Elizabeth "Tizzy" Lockman (D-Wilmington), expressed her gratitude during Thursday's signing ceremony, noting she’s worked on passing the legislation for six years.
“I’m very much looking forward to withstanding the inevitable court challenges, standing up a strong program with our agencies, and most importantly, the outcomes of lives saved – safer communities. And that’s what this has always been about and what Delawareans deserve," she said.
Hours after the signing, Delaware State Sportsmen’s Association (DSSA) President Jeff Hague announced the organization has filed a lawsuit to challenge the law's constitutionality.
"DSSA believes this legislation is unquestionably unconstitutional under both Delaware’s Constitution and the Federal Second Amendment. For that reason, and that reason alone, DSSA is filing a federal lawsuit challenging this law," Hague said in a statement.
The bill carries close to a $3 million fiscal note for 2025, and will carry a recurring cost of over $4 million for following years.
Carney allocated the necessary funding to establish the program in his recommended budget for Fiscal Year 25, and it will be up to the Joint Finance Committee to include the dollars in the final budget.
The State Bureau of Investigation and other agencies now have 18 months to implement the licensing program.
