The House Judiciary Committee of the Delaware Legislature convened on March 12, 2025, to discuss various legislative proposals, including a bill aimed at monitoring consumer credit activities related to firearms purchases. The meeting began with a focus on the potential benefits of utilizing aggregate information from credit card transactions to identify concerning patterns, particularly in relation to human trafficking.

A committee member highlighted the rapid pace of technological advancements, particularly in artificial intelligence, and emphasized the importance of exploring new policies that could enhance public safety. The discussion centered on how analyzing merchant category codes could help detect unusual spending behaviors among new credit users, such as a student making large purchases at firearms retailers shortly after opening a credit card account.

The committee acknowledged the bipartisan commitment to combat human trafficking and the need to ensure that vulnerable populations are protected. However, the conversation shifted as public comments began, with several individuals expressing strong opposition to the proposed bill.

Paula Johnson, a resident of Smyrna, was the first to voice her concerns, arguing that the bill discriminates against small businesses and infringes on the constitutional rights of Delaware citizens. She contended that the legislation unfairly targets lawful consumers who engage in legitimate purchases, such as firearms for sporting purposes, and accused the committee of treating responsible gun owners as criminals.

Following Johnson, Kristen Moose also provided her perspective, indicating that the public comment segment would continue to allow for a range of opinions on the proposed legislation. The committee chair noted the importance of hearing from constituents before proceeding further with the discussion.

As the meeting progressed, it became clear that the proposed bill would face significant scrutiny from the public, highlighting the ongoing debate over gun rights and consumer privacy in Delaware. The committee plans to continue gathering feedback from the community as it considers the implications of the legislation.