Signed into Law · Aug. 17, 2026
Delaware HB 427 — Offenses Involving Deadly Weapons and Dangerous Instruments (HS1 for HB427)
Threat level: green
Allows 16- and 17-year-olds to possess a BB gun or projectile weapon for target practice without direct supervision, with parental permission and hunter education.
Bill summary
Allows 16- and 17-year-olds to possess a BB gun or projectile weapon for target practice without direct adult supervision, provided a parent/guardian permits it and the teen has completed an approved hunter education course; also allows unsupervised hunting with a valid Delaware hunting license. A favorable loosening of Delaware supervision requirements for young airgun users. A House substitute (HS 1) was introduced June 19, 2026, passed the House on June 23 and the Senate on July 1, and was signed by the Governor on August 17, 2026.
Amendment history
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Jun 19, 2026 — House Substitute Introduced
HS 1 for HB 427 introduced in lieu of the original bill.
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Jun 23, 2026 — Passed House
House Amendment 1 adopted; passed the House 28–9.
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Jul 1, 2026 — Passed Senate
Passed the Senate 14–6.
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Aug 17, 2026 — Signed by Governor
Signed into law.