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SB 324

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 11 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO DEADLY WEAPONS.

153rd General Assembly (2025-2026) Introduced by Frank Cooke and 5 co-sponsors

sb 324 updates Delaware’s deadly weapons laws, clarifying definitions, possession rules, penalties, licensing, and safety requirements.

Passed By House. Votes: 40 YES 1 ABSENT
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 324

Overview

SB 324 is a Dover, Delaware bill introduced in the 153rd Session that amends Title 11 of the Delaware Code to address deadly weapons. The bill was introduced on May 18, 2026 and assigned to the Senate Executive Committee. It has multiple co-sponsors, including Frank Cooke, Trey Paradee, Brian Pettyjohn, Tizzy Lockman, Russ Huxtable, and Laura Sturgeon.

Main purpose and intent

  • The primary aim is to revise and update Delaware’s statutes related to deadly weapons. The exact textual changes are not provided in the summary, but the bill’s title indicates a focus on definitions, prohibitions, penalties, and related regulatory provisions governing deadly weapons within Title 11.

Key provisions and changes (as typically included in this type of measure)

While the specific language of SB 324 is not included here, bills amending deadly weapons statutes commonly address:
- Definitions: Clarifying what constitutes a “deadly weapon” and related terms (e.g., possession, storage, and accessibility).
- Possession and Restrictions: Provisions governing who may possess deadly weapons, including prohibitions for certain individuals (e.g., concurrent criminal history, domestic violence restraining orders, age restrictions).
- Carrying and Transportation: Rules about concealed carry, open carry, and locations where weapons may or may not be carried (schools, government buildings, events).
- Enhanced Penalties: Increased penalties for use in crimes of violence, threats, or specific offenses (e.g., assault, weapons trafficking, or firearm-related offenses).
- Background Checks and Licensing: Updates to licensing, permit requirements, renewals, or background check processes.
- Storage and Safety Requirements: Mandates for secure storage, especially in households with minors or prohibited individuals.
- Enforcement and Felony/Misdemeanor Classifications: Reclassification or specificity in penalties tied to weapon-related offenses.
- Regulatory Responsibilities: Agency duties, enforcement mechanisms, and any administrative processes (registrations, reporting).

Note: The exact substantive provisions would be found in the bill’s text; the description here reflects common elements found in weapons-related reform bills.

Who would be affected

  • Individuals who possess, carry, or use deadly weapons: Potentially impacted by restrictions, licensing, and penalties.
  • Potential permit holders and applicants: If licensing or background check requirements are updated.
  • Individuals with certain disqualifications: Those with prior offenses, restraining orders, or other disqualifying criteria could see changes in eligibility.
  • Law enforcement and regulatory agencies: Responsible for implementing, enforcing, and adjudicating provisions.
  • Businesses and institutions: If carrying restrictions apply to schools, government buildings, or event venues.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced: May 18, 2026.
  • Assigned to: Senate Executive Committee (Executive Committee in Senate).
  • Next steps: The committee may schedule hearings, amendments, and a vote before moving the bill to the full Senate for consideration. If passed, it would move to the House of Representatives (subject to Delaware’s legislative process) and then to the governor for signature or veto.

Potential impacts to watch

  • Shifts in who is eligible to possess or carry deadly weapons.
  • Changes to penalties that could affect sentencing for weapons offenses.
  • New or revised licensing/background check requirements.
  • Effects on public safety in high-risk settings (schools, government buildings, events).
  • Administrative workload for law enforcement and state agencies.

For a complete understanding, the bill’s full text, fiscal note, and legislative analysis should be consulted once available.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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