Brady Welcomes the Introduction of State Gun Dealer Licensing and Code of Conduct in Delaware

These inspections will help reduce the number of crime guns sold in-state, and prevent gun violence before it happens

DOVER, DE, April 30, 2026 — Today, Delaware Senate President Pro Tempore Dave Sokola and Rep. Mara Gorman introduced a bill that would create a State Gun Dealer Licensing and Code of Conduct system in Delaware. This program would give the state the authority to engage in reasonable oversight and inspections of gun dealers, and require responsible business standards – like secure firearm storage, employee vetting, and uniform recordkeeping. In cases of extreme or repeated and dangerous noncompliance, officials will also be able to revoke a dealer’s license, preventing them from continuing to supply crime guns in our community and nearby ones.

Sixty-six percent of guns that are recovered in connection with crimes in Delaware are traced back to in-state dealers. This means that two-thirds of the traceable firearms used in crimes are coming from within the state, rather than being trafficked across state lines. 

“Gun dealers are our first line of defense in protecting our communities from gun violence, but some of them operate irresponsibly,” Brady President Kris Brown said. “A State Gun Dealer Licensing and Code of Conduct law in Delaware would combat improper dealer actions, ensuring they operate within the bounds of the law. Inspections are the norm for almost every other industry in Delaware; we rigorously oversee restaurants, barber shops, and the cannabis industry to ensure public safety. It is past time we hold the gatekeepers of lethal weapons to that same standard. We want to thank Senate President Pro Tempore Senator Sokola and Representative Mara Gorman for their leadership in introducing this bill, and fighting for gun violence prevention in Delaware.”

“In Delaware, our commitment to eradicate gun violence in every form has remained, and a tightened gun dealer licensure law will create a framework that prevents both illegal business practices and guns from entering the criminal market,” said Delaware State Senate President Pro Tempore Dave Sokola. “I want to thank Brady United for leading the nationwide charge to hold gun dealers accountable for unlawful behavior, which all too often leads to lives being lost, families left in mourning, and communities deeply impacted. This law will save lives.”

"This measure will help keep Delawareans safe by ensuring firearms dealers are following the law and meeting necessary standards, something that is especially important at a time when the federal government is hampering the ability of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to do this work responsibly," said Rep. Mara Gorman, House Prime Sponsor of SB 300. "I feel truly honored to serve as Sen. Sokola’s co-prime sponsor on what will be the final bill of his long and distinguished career advancing commonsense gun safety legislation. I’ve been committed to the work of fighting for firearm safety for years, and I’ll continue to fight for safer communities as long as I’m in office."