House Bill 450 Summary

• Prohibits the manufacture, sale, transport, transfer, purchase, receipt, and possession of assault weapons in Delaware, making violations a class D or E felony.

• Defines "assault weapons" to include specific rifle models (AR-15, AK-47, Bushmaster, etc.), pistol models, and "copycat weapons" with certain features like folding stocks, pistol grips, detachable magazines, or flash suppressors.

• Allows existing owners who lawfully possessed assault weapons before the effective date to keep them but restricts transportation to residences, shooting ranges, firearms exhibitions, and licensed dealers for repair, with weapons in secure storage during transport.

• Exempts law enforcement personnel, military members, licensed firearms dealers servicing law enforcement, qualified retired officers, and those inheriting weapons from the prohibition.

• Establishes a voluntary certificate of possession program allowing pre-existing owners to register their assault weapons with the Department of Safety and Homeland Security within one year of the law's effective date.