The Delaware House Judiciary Committee convened on March 12, 2025, to discuss a proposed bill aimed at enhancing the monitoring of suspicious financial transactions related to gun purchases. The meeting highlighted concerns about the potential for financial institutions to report unusual buying patterns that could indicate a risk of mass shootings.

A key point of discussion centered on the role of financial institutions, such as banks and credit card companies, in identifying and reporting suspicious activities. Committee members debated whether these institutions should be required to report such transactions to the Delaware Department of Justice. Representative Lynn expressed support for the bill, emphasizing its potential to prevent mass shootings by allowing for early intervention. However, he raised concerns about the lack of a mandatory reporting provision, suggesting that banks should face penalties for failing to report suspicious activities.

The conversation also touched on the use of merchant category codes to track purchases. Some committee members questioned the effectiveness of these codes in identifying gun-related transactions, arguing that they are more commonly associated with other types of financial crimes, such as money laundering and trafficking.

Overall, the committee's discussions underscored the complexities of balancing lawful gun purchases with the need for public safety. As the bill progresses, further deliberations will be necessary to clarify the responsibilities of financial institutions and the potential implications for gun buyers in Delaware.