The House Judiciary Committee of the Delaware Legislature convened on March 12, 2025, to discuss House Bill 45, which proposes the implementation of merchant category codes for firearm sales in the state. This bill aims to enhance data collection on firearm purchases, potentially aiding law enforcement in tracking suspicious activities related to gun sales.

Several advocates, including members of the group Moms Demand Action, voiced their support for the bill during the meeting. One speaker, a lifelong Delaware resident and mother, emphasized the urgency of the legislation, citing personal experiences and the fear of mass shootings, particularly referencing the tragedies at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School and the Pulse nightclub. She argued that tracking firearm sales through merchant codes could provide law enforcement with critical data to prevent future tragedies.

Another advocate, a grandmother and nurse, reiterated the importance of the bill, highlighting that similar measures are already in place in states like Colorado and California. She pointed out that credit card companies track unusual spending patterns to prevent fraud, suggesting that a similar approach could be applied to firearm purchases to enhance public safety.

The discussion also included testimonies from individuals affected by gun violence, including a young man who lost friends in the Sandy Hook shooting. He expressed hope that the bill could serve as a tool for law enforcement to prevent further incidents of gun violence.

Supporters of House Bill 45 argue that it does not infringe on the rights of law-abiding gun owners and does not regulate gun sales. Instead, they believe it could provide law enforcement with the necessary information to identify potential threats and intervene before mass shootings occur.

The committee's deliberations on this bill reflect a growing concern over gun violence and the need for proactive measures to ensure community safety. The next steps will involve further discussions and potential voting on the bill within the committee.