Handgun permit bill heard in Senate committee

Those in favor of a permit-to-purchase handgun law say it’s needed to stop gun violence on the streets. Those against it say gun laws already on the books should be enforced.

Both sides aired their concerns April 26 during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Senate Bill 2, legislation that would require anyone purchasing a handgun to first have a permit and training. The committee did not immediately take action to move the bill out of committee.

Paul Johnstone, a veteran, said citizens should not have to fight for their rights under the Second Amendment and the Delaware Constitution. “There is a crime problem and that should be addressed,” he said.

Karina Slater echoed a sentiment shared by many. “Common sense would be enforcing gun laws already on the books,” she said.

Others said this new law will do nothing to prevent kids from obtaining handguns when current law already outlaws gun sales to those under 21.

Those in favor of gun restrictions say the bill is needed to curb gun violence.

Attorney General Kathleen Jennings said most illegal handguns used in violent crime across the state are purchased in Delaware in what is known as a straw purchase, and the permit law should keep more handguns off the streets. “It’s time to get the job done,” she said.

Tracy Murphy, executive director of the Delaware Coalition Against Gun Violence, said she supports the bill to end gun violence and ensure gun owners are safe, responsible and accountable.

“Gun violence is right now the No. 1 cause of death for children and teens in our nation and in our state. Gun violence is the No. 1 cause of death for Black men and boys in America,” she said.

Under the bill, a person who wants to buy a handgun would need to take a training course and be fingerprinted, both at their own cost, and then apply for a permit from the Department of Homeland Security. For low-income individuals, a voucher program would be available to cover the costs for training and fingerprints. Officials said costs for training can vary from $200 to $500, and it costs about $60 to get fingerprints through the State Bureau of Investigation.

Only people with a concealed carry permit, law enforcement officers or retired law enforcement would be exempt.