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HB 342

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 11 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE POSSESSION AND PURCHASE OF DEADLY WEAPONS BY PERSONS PROHIBITED.

153rd General Assembly (2025-2026) Introduced by Mara Gorman and 11 co-sponsors

Delaware bill amends criminal code to modify restrictions on firearm and deadly weapon possession/purchase by prohibited persons; impact depends on specific eligibility criteria changes.

Passed By Senate. Votes: 21 YES
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 342

Legislative bill overview

HB 342 proposes amendments to Delaware's Title 11 (criminal code) regarding restrictions on firearm and deadly weapon possession and purchase by prohibited persons. The bill was introduced in April 2026 and is currently under review by the House Judiciary Committee. Specific provisions are not detailed in the available information, but the title indicates it addresses eligibility criteria for weapons ownership.

Why is this important

Firearm restriction laws directly affect public safety, law enforcement priorities, and individual rights. Delaware's amendments could impact who is legally barred from owning weapons (potentially including those with violent criminal histories, domestic violence convictions, or mental health adjudications), which influences both crime prevention efforts and constitutional considerations around due process and Second Amendment rights.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of "prohibited persons" — Whether definitions are narrow (violent felonies only) or broad (including non-violent offenses, misdemeanors, or mental health holds), affecting how many people are restricted
  • Due process protections — Questions about appeals mechanisms, restoration of rights, and whether restrictions are permanent or time-limited
  • Enforcement and background checks — Implementation costs and effectiveness of screening mechanisms for private sales versus licensed dealers

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

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