Brady Celebrates Final Passage of Gun Dealer Licensing, Inspections, and Code of Conduct Legislation in Delaware

Once signed into law, this bill will provide effective oversight of firearm dealers and reduce the flow of illegal guns in Delaware and neighboring states. 

DOVER, DE, June 30, 2026 — This week, Delaware legislators advanced the Gun Dealer Licensing and Code of Conduct Act (SS 1 for SB 300 with SA 1), sweeping legislation designed to prevent gun violence by bolstering Delaware’s oversight of the firearms industry. Sponsored by Sen. Sokola and Rep. Gorman, the bill would crack down on illegal and reckless retail practices that divert firearms to the criminal market.

If signed, the legislation will require gun dealers to maintain responsible business practices — including secure firearm storage, employee vetting, and recordkeeping. In addition, the law empowers the state to engage in reasonable oversight and, in cases of extreme or repeated negligence, revoke a dealer’s license, preventing them from continuing to enable the spread of firearms used in crimes both within Delaware and beyond.

Denise Marks, President of the Delaware Chapter of Brady, said:

As a nurse and a mother who lost a child to gun violence, I know the true cost of this epidemic in Delaware. Passing the Gun Dealer Licensing and Code of Conduct Act is essential to stop the flow of illegal firearms and keep our families safe. We have worked to pass life-saving legislation, but we have not done enough to address the sources of crime guns in our state. 66% of guns traced to a dealer and used in crimes in Delaware were purchased in this state. The ATF is only able to inspect 9% of licensed firearm dealers across the country, and the Gun Dealer Licensing and Code of Conduct Act would ensure that gun dealers are subject to routine inspections, vetting of employees, and record-keeping. For the sake of our families and our communities, I urge the Governor to prevent the next tragedy and sign this legislation without delay.

Sen. Dave Sokola, Senate President Pro Tempore, said: 

Today’s vote to strengthen firearm dealer licensing requirements in our State takes the responsible step forward to ensure that guns don’t end up in the wrong hands. By holding gun dealers accountable, we will save lives in Delaware and throughout our region. Thank you to my House sponsor Rep. Mara Gorman for shepherding this legislation through the chamber, and to the countless advocates, like those at Brady United, who have been steadfast in their unwavering support of this commonsense piece of legislation. Together, our efforts will help save lives.

Rep. Mara Gorman, House Prime Sponsor of SB 300, said:

SB 300 is about accountability, responsibility, public safety, and prevention. When we leave gaps in our firearms laws, we are gambling with people’s lives. SB 300 recognizes something most Delawareans already understand: if you are in the business of selling firearms, one of the most dangerous products on the market, there should be basic standards in place to ensure those firearms are stored securely, sold responsibly, and kept out of the wrong hands. It’s time to close this gap in our state law, and add one more layer of protection against deadly weapons for all Delawareans.

Rep. Sean Lynn, House Co-Prime Sponsor, said: 

A responsible gun dealer should never have a problem complying with this bill, and I hope that advocates and groups that espouse public safety above all else join me in celebrating the passage of this reasonable, responsible solution.

Rep. Griffith, House Co-Prime Sponsor, said:

Keeping our communities safe means keeping firearms out of the hands of those who may harm themselves or others. SB 300 is a monumental piece of legislation that will help us achieve this by creating an enhanced licensing system with stricter inspection, reporting, and security requirements. Selling firearms is a huge responsibility, and while I’m sure there are many dealers who take that seriously, standardizing the process reduces the chance of dangerous mistakes or security breaches. Thank you to Senator Sokola and Representative Gorman for taking the lead on this critical legislation.

Why Delaware Needs a State Gun Dealer Licensing Framework

• In Delaware, almost 70% of crime guns traced to a purchaser were sold by a Delaware dealer. This is compared to 18% in New Jersey, a state with strong state gun dealer inspection regulation. 
• Two-thirds of the traceable firearms used in crimes in the state come from within Delaware, rather than being trafficked across state lines. 
• Delaware dealers are selling significant numbers of crime guns recovered in Pennsylvania and Maryland, contributing to crime in its neighboring states. 
• The Trump administration has consistently weakened ATF and rolled back federal regulations proven to reduce firearm trafficking, creating an urgent need to fill gaps made at the federal level by creating state-based accountability systems.