Daily Report for 3/17/2026

Governor's Actions

BillCurrent StatusSponsorSynopsisTitle
SB 191SignedSeigfriedThis Act updates the language establishing the board of directors for the Delaware Institute for Dental Education and Research. This Act adjusts the composition of the voting and non-voting members of the board, the term limits of any board members, and procedures for how the Chair and Vice Chair are selected. The Act clarifies that any member of the board must complete a training on diversity. Any consultant from a university asked to assist the board with its official business does not vote. The Act makes minor changes pertaining to the purpose and duties of the board.AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 16 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE DELAWARE INSTITUTE FOR DENTAL EDUCATION AND RESEARCH.
SB 210SignedHansenThis bill amends the definition of “Community-owned energy generating facility” in Title 26 of the Delaware Code, § 1001(5) by adding the requirement that the point of interconnection be located in the service area of a utility under the regulation of the Public Service Commission.AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 26 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES.

New Legislation Introduced

BillCurrent StatusSponsorSynopsisTitle
HB 317CommitteeShupeThis Act requires the Department of Elections, in coordination with the Division of Motor Vehicles and any other state agency that administers automatic voter registration, to conduct a comprehensive audit of all voter registrations created through Delaware's automatic voter registration system since 2021 to ensure that individuals meet eligibility requirements including citizenship, residency, and age. The Act also requires mandatory eligibility verification for all future automatic voter registrations on an ongoing basis and establishes reporting requirements to ensure transparency and accountability.AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 15 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO AUTOMATIC VOTER REGISTRATION VERIFICATION AND ONGOING ELIGIBILITY REVIEW.
HB 318CommitteeShupeThis Act terminates the Delaware Health Resources Board by deleting in its entirety Chapter 93 of Title 16. This Board does have a responsibility to require certain persons to perform and accept certain charity care under § 9311. This responsibility is transferred to the Secretary of the Department of Health and Social Services. AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 16 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO HEALTH PLANNING AND RESOURCES MANAGEMENT AND THE DELAWARE HEALTH RESOURCES BOARD.
HB 319CommitteeGrayThis Act amends Chapter 28 of Title 24 of the Delaware Code to make corrections to definition of Successor Engineer (§2803); Allow candidates intending to apply using experience track (§2817(5)) to take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) and Principles and Practice of Engineering (P&PE) exams prior to obtaining 15 years of verified and approved experience. Remove restrictions on candidates taking the FE exam. According to NCEES, 75% of member boards do not have any restrictions on the FE exam. Candidates that do not meet our current requirements for FE exam approval can take the exam in another jurisdiction, then apply to Delaware when they have met all other requirements (§2817).AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 24 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE DELAWARE ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS.
HA 1 to HS 1 for HB 200PWBChukwuochaThis Amendment makes the following technical corrections: 1. Reorganizes paragraph structure in Section 1 and Section 2 of HS 1 for HB 200 to be consistent with other health coverage mandates in Chapters 33 and 35 of Tite 18. 2. In Section 2 of HS 1 for HB 200, corrects "individual" to "group and blanket" health insurance policies regulated under Chapter 35 of Title 18. 3. In Section 2 of HS 1 for HB 200, removes the cost-sharing limitation exception for catastrophic plans because catastrophic plans are individual health plans. 4. In Section 4 of HS 1 for HB 200, for purposes of clarity, adds that the coverage applies to all health benefit plans delivered or issued for delivery under § 505(3) of Title 31. 5. In Section 5 of HS 1 for HB 200, adding “issued” to the applicability date to clarify the Act applies to policies, contracts, or certificates that are newly issued after December 31, 2027. 
HB 322CommitteeGormanThis Act permits employees of, or security personnel working for, a health-care, medical, or dental facility, to take any person presenting a security or safety risk at such premises into custody and detain the person in a reasonable manner on the premises for a reasonable time, for the purpose of summoning a law-enforcement officer. AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 11 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO ARREST AND DETENTION.
HA 4 to HB 133PWBSnyder-HallThis amendment to House Bill No. 133 does all of the following: (1) clarifies that the word “fee” as used in the hardship waiver statute does not include restitution; (2) clarifies that toll violations, offenses eligible for voluntary assessment, red light camera, and speed camera violations are not eligible for waiver or modification under this Act; (3) makes a technical correction; (4) exempts assessments related to the Victims Compensation Fund from the courts’ authority to waive, modify, and suspend fines and fees; and (5) removes an additional report required of the courts. 
HB 323CommitteeOsienskiThis Act makes a technical correction to the specific categories of persons required to obtain a fingerprint-based background check under Chapter 83 of Title 29 of the Delaware Code to comply with the requirements of Public Law (Pub. L.) 92-544 for access to FBI criminal history record information. The Department of Finance applied for federal “Rap Back” reporting and was denied, so the unacceptable language is being eliminated to facilitate access.AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS.
SB 259CommitteePooreThis Act proposes modifications to the in-building regulations regarding bi-directional amplifiers (BDAs).  Currently, buildings that are modified or renovated to exceed 25,000 square feet are not required to meet the GAT (Grid Acceptance Test) at 95% compliance for 800 MHz public safety in-building communications coverage, as is required for new buildings.  In some cases, contractors are tearing down all but one exterior wall and rebuilding which has drawn concern from Division of Communications.  The BDA helps to maintain quality in-building communications and to prevent “dead zone” areas so emergency public safety personnel can communicate during a response to an emergency situation.  This Act also removes language pertaining to an advisor committee that is no longer needed. The Act also removes the requirement that the Department of Safety and Homeland Security publish a map of buildings with these communication technologies due to safety concerns. AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 9 AND TITLE 22 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS.
SS 1 for SB 234CommitteePettyjohnThis Act creates a definition of “first responder” in Chapter 31 of Title 20, pertaining to emergency management. Currently, the term is referenced, but it is not actually defined, creating potential uncertainty about who qualifies as a first responder in this context. This Act defines a first responder as a federal, state, or local law enforcement officer, firefighter, emergency medical services personnel member, hazardous materials response team member, 911 dispatcher, emergency manager, or other individual who is responsible for the protection and preservation of life or property and who is called on to respond to emergencies. This Act is a substitute for Senate Bill No. 234 and differs from Senate Bill No. 234 in that it adds a definition of “law enforcement officer” to clarify which law enforcement personnel are included in the definition of “first responder” and makes minor technical corrections to the definition of “first responder”.AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 20 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO FIRST RESPONDERS.
SB 260CommitteeCruceAccording to the Arts Education Partnership, 27 states currently include arts course credits as a requirement for high school graduation, and several states have implemented diploma seals or similar recognition programs to incentivize participation. This Act directs the Department of Education to establish the Delaware Certificate of Arts Excellence to recognize high school students who demonstrate sustained engagement and achievement in the arts. Establishing a similar program in Delaware could help increase arts enrollment, elevate the value of arts education, and support students interested in pursuing creative professions. AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 14 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE DELAWARE CERTIFICATE OF ARTS EXCELLENCE.
SA 1 to SS 1 for SB 116PWBLockmanThis Amendment adds language to clarify that the allowed payment restrictions are consistent throughout the Act and also changes the requirements regarding accepting certain payments from any entity to only charitable organizations or government entities. It also makes clear that a judgment vacated under this Act still counts as a judgment for purposes of calculating whether a tenant as had 3 judgments in the previous 24 months to make the tenant ineligible to use the Right of Redemption. It also makes a technical correction on line 31.  

Legislation Passed By Senate

BillCurrent StatusSponsorSynopsisTitle
SB 239CommitteeHansenThis Act removes the 8% cap on net energy metering for customer-generation.AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 26 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND NET METERING.
HCR 102PassedMinor-BrownThis House Concurrent Resolution recognizes the work of the First State Health Leaders Alliance.RECOGNIZING AND CELEBRATING THE WORK OF THE FIRST STATE HEALTH LEADERS ALLIANCE.
HCR 101PassedCarsonThis resolution recognizes the week of March 15 through March 21, 2026, as “National Agriculture Week” in Delaware.RECOGNIZING THE WEEK OF MARCH 15 THROUGH MARCH 21, 2026, AS “NATIONAL AGRICULTURE WEEK” IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

Legislation Passed By House of Representatives

BillCurrent StatusSponsorSynopsisTitle
HB 63 w/ HA 1CommitteeWilson-AntonDelaware's current fireworks laws have led to confusion among consumers and noncompliance, with individuals frequently using fireworks outside of legally permitted days. Many consumers are unaware they are breaking the law, while those who knowingly violate it face fines too low to serve as a deterrent. This results in ongoing nuisances for neighbors, increased risks of bodily harm, and heightened dangers of fires and property damage. Additionally, out-of-state retailers advertise illegal fireworks in Delaware without consequence, further misleading consumers. The absence of a registration process for fireworks retailers limits the State Fire Marshal’s ability to oversee the sale and distribution of these potentially hazardous products. This bill strengthens enforcement by increasing fines, regulating sales through a permit system, ensuring consumer awareness through required safety information, and generating revenue for the Fire Marshal’s office to improve oversight and public education. This Act requires a greater than majority vote for passage because § 11 of Article VIII of the Delaware Constitution requires the affirmative vote of three-fifths of the members elected to each house of the General Assembly to impose or levy a tax or license fee.AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 16 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO FIREWORKS.
HA 1 to HB 63PassedWilson-AntonThis Amendment to House Bill No. 63 changes the required advertising disclosures contained in House Bill No. 63. If an advertisement in this State depicts or advertises aerial fireworks, it must include a warning that fireworks are generally illegal without a permit in Delaware, that sparklers, poppers, and similar products may be illegal in Delaware, and that potential purchasers should check their local and state law before purchasing or using the advertised products. If an advertisement does not contain or depict aerial fireworks, it need only contain warnings that (1) fireworks may only be legally used in Delaware on July 4, the third day of Diwali, December 31, and January 1; (2) Delaware law limits the types of fireworks that may be used; (3) a permit may be required; and (4) potential purchasers should check their local and state laws before purchasing or using the advertised products. For billboard advertisements, a large and legible font must read “SOME FIREWORKS ARE ILLEGAL. CHECK LOCAL AND STATE LAWS BEFORE PURCHASING.” Where House Bill No. 63 changed the 30-day sales period prior to the 4 holidays during which fireworks can be used to a 15-day sales period, this Amendment leaves it as a 30-day sales period. Where House Bill No. 63 required that a person seeking to sell fireworks must apply for a permit 90 days before the sales period, this Amendment requires the application 60 days before the sales period. This Amendment further provides for two different categories of disclosures at the time of sale. For the sale of fireworks requiring a permit or otherwise containing pyrotechnic substances above the threshold limits allowable without a permit, the disclosure to buyers must include notice that (1) the fireworks may be illegal and illegal possession or use may result in financial penalties; (2) fireworks are dangerous and improper use may result in death or serious physical injury; (3) information on the safe usage and disposal of fireworks; and (4) a reminder that generally, fireworks are only legal on the third day of Diwali, July 4, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day. For the sale of fireworks that individuals may use and possess without a permit, the disclosure to buyers must include (1) information on the safe usage and disposal of fireworks and (2) a reminder that generally, fireworks are only legal on the third day of Diwali, July 4, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day. 
HB 266 w/ SA 1PassedOrtegaThis Act allows a large municipality to permit the rental of a low-speed motorized scooter through ordinance or other regulation.AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 21 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO MOTORIZED SCOOTERS.
HB 277CommitteeNealThis Act codifies the Delaware State Police program that makes available a “blue envelope” for use by a person with a disability. The intent of this program is to increase safety for both officers and persons with a disability during a traffic stop. The envelope contains written information for officers regarding interacting with a person with a disability, as well as guidance for the person with a disability on safe interactions with law-enforcement during a traffic stop. The envelope is sized to be able to contain a driver’s license, motor vehicle registration card, and insurance identification card and other related documents.AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 21 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO SAFETY DURING TRAFFIC STOPS.
HB 278 w/ HA 1, HA 2CommitteeSpiegelmanThis Act makes multiple changes to Title 7 of the Delaware Code. First it increases recreational hunting opportunities and clarifies that Sunday hunting is permitted for all game animals and game birds that the Department has established hunting seasons for, while allowing private landowners and public agencies discretion when and where Sunday hunting is permitted without being overly burdensome. This Act amends and simplifies the caliber of handgun ammunition permitted for deer hunting as well as updates the use of other hunting implements consistent with new and improved technology. This Act removes European and snowshoe hares as game animals and includes skunks and weasels as such. AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 7 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO REGULATIONS AND PROHIBITIONS CONCERNING GAME AND FISH.
SCR 148PassedWalshThis Senate Concurrent Resolution recognizes and honors contributions made by Irish Americans to the American Revolution.HONORING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF IRISH AMERICANS IN THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
HB 293CommitteeMorrisonThis Act adds any act that contains the characteristics of a hate crime to the definitions of crimes for the purposes of the Victims Compensation Assistance Program.AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 11 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE VICTIMS COMPENSATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
HJR 9CommitteeLynnThis Joint Resolution extends the reporting date of the Driving Under the Influence Prevention Task Force from January 1, 2026, to January 1, 2027.EXTENDING THE REPORTING DATE OF THE DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE PREVENTION TASK FORCE
HA 1 to HB 278PassedSpiegelmanThis amendment makes a technical correction. 
HS 1 for HB 213CommitteeGriffithThis Act creates a privilege for confidential communications between a victim and a victim advocate. The victim can waive the privilege with a signed waiver. The privilege may also be overcome in certain circumstances, including mandated reporting of child abuse, communications relating to the intent to commit a violent crime, and in state custody and child abuse cases. This Act defines a victim advocate as an employee of a victim services agency, or formal volunteer under the supervision of an employee of a victim services agency who has completed a minimum of 20 hours of advocacy training. This substitute bill incorporates the change from HA1 to House Bill No. 213 regarding the exception for child abuse and state custody cases. It also explicitly excludes law-enforcement agencies and the Department of Justice from the definition of victim services agency. It clarifies that the victim advocate may claim the privilege but only on behalf of the victim. Finally, it adds a process and criteria for a defendant in a criminal case to overcome the privilege in certain circumstances. This is intended to mirror the exception to the therapist-client privilege articulated in Burns v. State, 968 A.2d 1012 (2009).AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 10 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO EVIDENCE AND WITNESSES.
HA 2 to HB 278PassedSpiegelmanThis amendment makes a technical correction. 

Senate Committee Assignments

Committee
Corrections & Public Safety
Education
Environment, Energy & Transportation
Judiciary

House Committee Assignments

Committee
Administration
Economic Development/Banking/Insurance & Commerce
Education
Elections & Government Affairs
Health & Human Development
Judiciary
Sunset Committee (Policy Analysis & Government Accountability)
Transportation

Senate Committee Report

No Senate Committee Report

House Committee Report

Committee
Economic Development/Banking/Insurance & Commerce

Senate Defeated Legislation

No Senate Defeated Legislation

House Defeated Legislation

No House Defeated Legislation

Nominations Enacted upon by the Senate

No Records