http://www.legis.delaware.gov/ Legislation In Committee with the State of Delaware en-us Thu, 28 May 2026 15:10:31 -0400 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143401 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 16 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO ADVANCE HEALTH CARE DIRECTIVES.

This Act makes a technical correction to the optional special powers form in the Uniform Health Care Decisions Act in Title 16. Currently, the existing language in the form implies any number of days can be written in to the advance directive when designating a maximum length of time for a mental health care related admission. However, under § 2518(e) of Title 16, an agent or default surrogate may not consent to voluntary admission of an individual to a facility for mental health treatment for longer than 72 hours. This Act removes the open-ended language in the form, so that a voluntary admission to a mental health facility by an agent may not exceed 72 hours.]]> Thu, 28 May 2026 15:10:31 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143400 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 9 AND TITLE 22 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO TELECOM INFRASTRUCTURE.

This Act removes the cap on the amount of tax a county or municipality can levy on poles, wires, cable and conduit for distribution of telephone communication services. This Act requires a greater than majority vote for passage because § 1 of Article IX of the Delaware Constitution requires the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members elected to each house of the General Assembly to amend a municipal charter, whether directly, by amendment to a specific municipality's charter, or, as in this Act, indirectly, by a general law. ]]> Thu, 28 May 2026 15:09:56 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143399 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLES 18 AND 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO HEALTH CARE.

The Health Care Professional Access Act requires carriers to participate in uniform processes with specific timetables to create speed-to-market for health care professionals. Currently, health care professionals may be employed for 6 months or more with no ability to collect insurer reimbursement due to lengthy carrier credentialing process. Ensuring uniformity across carriers, as well as relevant procedural standards, will help attract and retain health care professionals in our state, enable movement between practices and the creation of new ones, and ensure nondiscrimination in credentialing decisions. Under this Act, credentialing processes are limited to 45 days. This Act additionally provides for provisional credentialing, whereby reimbursement ability is provided even more quickly for certain health care professionals, including FQHCs, and in designated shortage areas which currently include mental health professionals statewide and primary and dental care in Kent and Sussex Counties, or is offered if timelines are not met. Oversight of compliance with this Act falls to the applicable regulatory agency. The Act also ensures specific processes and health care professional rights during a carrier’s intent to terminate a credential. More than 30 states have credentialing standards in law, with additional jurisdictions considering relevant legislation. Components of this legislation are derived from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ Health Care Professional Credentialing Verification Model Act. ]]> Thu, 28 May 2026 15:09:43 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143398 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 16 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO LONG TERM CARE FACILITIES

Long-term care facilities provide an important function in caring for the most vulnerable populations of the State of Delaware. However, these facilities are not required to have liability insurance to protect residents from harm caused by the facility. The bankruptcy filing of Genesis Health Care, one of the nation’s largest nursing home providers, which has operated facilities in Delaware, shed new light on the problems of long-term care facilities not being required to have liability insurance. Hundreds of claims across the country, including Delaware claims, related to substandard care causing injury or death to individuals face having no legal recourse to hold these facilities accountable. These claims include claims which Genesis had agreed to resolve for set amounts, which were to be satisfied with payments made in the future. Genesis filed for bankruptcy prior to making payments on many of these claims, including several claims resolved in Delaware, forcing the claimants to engage in a new and expensive process to pursue justice they had already resolved on their behalf or on behalf of their loved one. This Act requires long-term care facilities to have insurance policies that provide a minimum of $1 million per claim/$3 million aggregate coverage each for general liability and professional liability. This Act takes effect 180 days after enactment.]]> Thu, 28 May 2026 15:09:32 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143395 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 21 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO SPECIAL VANITY LICENSE PLATES.

This Act clarifies that special vanity license plates, which in Delaware are personal property, may be transferred from one owner to another without violating a U.S. District Court injunction that bars Delaware from issuing any new special vanity license plates or recalling any that the Division of Motor Vehicles has already issued. ]]> Thu, 28 May 2026 15:09:22 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143394 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 25 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO GARAGEKEEPER'S LIENS.

This Act allows a lienholder that has a lien under § 3901 of Title 25, often called a garagekeeper’s lien, to recover reasonable attorney’s fees from the proceeds of a sale to satisfy a garagekeeper’s lien. If the lienholder is not paid within 30 days after the lien is created, the lienholder may apply to a Justice of the Peace Court to sell the property. Under § 3903 and § 3905 of Title 25, the lienholder may recover the costs of the sale and the lien amount. Applying for authorization to sell property to satisfy a garagekeeper’s lien is a detailed process and many lienholders need to hire an attorney to help. But a court will not grant attorney’s fees without express statutory authority. This Act amends § 3903 and § 3905 to expressly allow a lienholder to recover attorney’s fees from the proceeds of a sale to satisfy a garagekeeper’s lien. This Act also allows excess proceeds from a garagekeeper’s lien sale to be used to satisfy other outstanding judgments against the owner of the property sold. Currently, under § 3905 of Title 25, sale proceeds are first used to pay the garagekeeper’s lien and costs related to the lien sale. Any extra proceeds are deposited with the Court and used to pay other liens on or security interests in the property sold. If there are still proceeds remaining, the Court must give the excess proceeds to the property owner or, if the property owner cannot be found, to the State Treasurer who holds the proceeds for the property owner to claim within 1 year. If the property owner does not claim the excess proceeds within 1 year, the excess proceeds are placed in the General Fund. Generally, money held in custody of the law may not be attached to satisfy an outstanding judgment. But in several cases, including Lowe v. Hulliger, 86 A.2d 749 (Del. Super. Ct. 1952), Delaware Courts have recognized an exception to this rule. Money left over that is due to a defendant or debtor after all legal obligations are paid may be attached to satisfy another judgment against the defendant or debtor. This Act codifies the exception for garagekeeper’s lien sale proceeds by allowing the Court to pay judgment creditors who apply within 30 days of the sale to attach any excess sale proceeds remaining after all other costs, liens, and security interests have been paid and before the excess sale proceeds are paid to the property owner. This Act also makes technical corrections to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual.]]> Thu, 28 May 2026 15:09:11 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143247 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO A DIVISION OF ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, AND MARIJUANA ENFORCEMENT.

This Act changes the name of the Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement to the Division of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Marijuana Enforcement. This Act also corrects references from “agents” to “officers” of the Division.]]> Thu, 21 May 2026 21:24:39 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143220 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 7 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE CLEAN AIR ACT TITLE V OPERATING PERMIT PROGRAM.

This Act extends the Clean Air Act Title V Operating Permit Program annual fees for facilities in Delaware, which have historically expired and been reauthorized by the General Assembly every 3 years. Existing statutory authorization to collect fees sunsets December 31, 2026. This legislation updates the fee assessments based on the work of the Title V Operating Permit Program Advisory Committee and makes additional clarifying updates. For 2027-2029, the total fee will be comprised of a base fee, user fee, and a program fee. Base fees are based on the number of staff hours spent on the source’s permitting, compliance, and enforcement activities, while the user fee is based on the source’s air emissions. The program fee will be assessed based on the total base and user fees. This Act authorizes the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control to collect Title V annual fees for calendar years 2027 through 2029 at which point the authority sunsets and would need to be reauthorized. ]]> Thu, 21 May 2026 21:24:21 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143265 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO PAY FOR DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION EMPLOYEES.

This Substitute for House Bill No. 383 specifies by position title which Department of Transportation employees must be paid overtime after working 37.5 hours in a week beginning July 1, 2026.]]> Thu, 21 May 2026 21:24:03 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143107 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 6 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO COMPUTER SECURITY BREACHES.

This Act amends Chapter 12B of Title 6 relating to Computer Security Breaches to clarify when businesses must provide notice of a computer security breach to the Attorney General.]]> Thu, 21 May 2026 21:23:48 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143105 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 6 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO PERSONAL DATA PRIVACY.

This Act amends the Delaware Personal Data Privacy Act (DPDPA), Chapter 12D of Title 6, originally enacted in 2023, to more closely align the DPDPA with similar consumer data protection laws enacted in other states. This Act amends the applicability threshold of the DPDPA to entities who process the personal data of not less than 15,000 consumers, which on a population percentage basis closely aligns to thresholds in Connecticut and New Jersey. This Act amends Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) applicability exemptions, adopting approaches to financial data in similar laws in Connecticut, Montana, and Oregon, by exempting all data regulated by GLBA while limiting entity-level exemptions specifically to banks and insurers and their respective affiliates. This Act introduces contracting and due diligence requirements where businesses sell or disclose personal data to third parties and also harmonizes several DPDPA business requirements and consumer rights with personal data privacy laws in other states. This Act also makes technical changes to existing law to conform to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual. ]]> Thu, 21 May 2026 21:23:33 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143150 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND THE CHARTER OF THE TOWN OF OCEAN VIEW RELATING TO THE FILING DEADLINE FOR TOWN COUNCIL CANDIDATES.

This Act changes the date by which a person who wishes to be nominated for Town Council in the Town of Ocean View must file their Certification of Intent and $50 filing fee with the Board of Elections from at least 30 days prior to the election to at least 45 days prior to the election.]]> Thu, 21 May 2026 21:23:17 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143050 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND THE LAWS OF DELAWARE RELATING TO HOMESCHOOL STUDENT PARTICIPATION IN EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES.

This Act requires the Department of Education, in collaboration with school districts, charter schools, and vocational-technical school districts, to make findings and recommendations regarding the advisability of incorporating Delaware homeschool students into public school extracurricular activities within the public school that the student would be attending based on residence if that student were enrolled in public school or within charter schools or vocational-technical school districts, including the creation of a pilot program. The Department shall report its findings and recommendations by December 31, 2027. This Act expires on the date of publication in the Register of Regulations of a notice that the Department has submitted its findings and recommendations. The Director of the Division of Legislative Services shall provide notice to the Registrar of Regulations. Since the legal effect of a joint resolution would expire on November 3, 2026 (the date the General Assembly expires), this reporting requirement is being placed in the Laws of Delaware so as to continue its legal effect until the submission of notice that the Department has submitted its findings and recommendations. This Act expires on the promulgation of notice of the report required in Section 3 of this Act being submitted, which is why the Laws of Delaware are being amended rather than a more permanent change in Title 14 of the Delaware Code. ]]> Thu, 21 May 2026 21:22:58 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142980 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO AGENCY REGULATIONS.

This Act includes changes to align the editorial powers of the Registrar with the Delaware Code editors related to removing gendered language from regulations when the intended meaning is clear. This Act revises the submission and publication schedule of the Register of Regulations to provide more consistent review and processing times to the Registrar, which will allow for more effective interaction with promulgating agencies and more efficient distribution of the Registrar's workload. This Act also removes language requiring the antiquated practice of providing copies of the Register of Regulations to 2 state daily newspapers. The Register of Regulations will continue to be published online for the public and copies will be provided, upon request, to the public, law libraries and public libraries in this state, and the Director of the Division of Libraries. This Act also makes technical corrections to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual.]]> Thu, 21 May 2026 21:22:39 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143393 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE DELAWARE AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE AND CULTURE COMMISSION.

This Act establishes the Delaware African American Heritage and Culture Commission (“Commission”). The Commission is tasked with being a statewide resource dedicated to preserving and sharing Delaware's African American culture and heritage. ]]> Thu, 21 May 2026 21:22:28 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143391 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 15 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO ELECTION RESULTS.

This Act updates Chapter 57 of Title 15 to reflect modern voting procedures. These updates are necessary because Chapter 57 of Title 15 provides the requirements under which the Superior Court (Court) performs its duties under § 6 of Article V of the Delaware Constitution to certify the results of each general election. As such, the requirements under this Chapter need to align with all of the current ballots and methods by which votes are cast to ensure that the results of general elections are properly certified and not subject to challenge. Specifically, this Act does all of the following: • Aligns terms and definitions with current law and the updates that will be enacted under Senate Bill No. 266 (153rd General Assembly). • Adds early voting ballots and provisional ballots to the materials that the Department of Elections must provide to the Court. • Explains that the Court certifies the results of the election by tabulating the votes cast. • Consolidates the requirements for the contents of certificates of elections and the delivery of those certificates to provide clarity and repeal contradictory and unnecessary provisions. This Act also makes technical corrections to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual.]]> Thu, 21 May 2026 21:22:17 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143390 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 16 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES.

This Act is a substitute for Senate Bill No. 196. Like Senate Bill No. 196, this Act requires long-term care facilities to fully disclose ownership information for the facility and disclose ownership information to residents prior to the transfer of ownership of a facility. This Act differs from Senate Bill No. 196 in the following ways: 1. It changes the definition of "facility owner" to align with federal regulations. 2. It modifies the requirements for a long-term care facility to include a list of facility owners on marketing and promotional materials, instead requiring that the list of facility owners be found on the long-term care facility's website, and that any marketing or promotional materials include a statement directing recipients of the materials to the facility's website for a list of owners. 3. It amends the timeline for a long-term care facility to disclose a proposed transfer of ownership to no more than 30 calendar days after receiving approval of required modification of ownership and control paperwork from the Department. 4. It clarifies the requirements of both current and proposed new facility owners in disclosing a transfer of ownership to residents and, if applicable, authorized representatives of residents of the long-term care facility. 5. It modifies the requirement that the disclosure of disciplinary actions against the facility to be limited to those actions resulting from incidents that threatened the health, safety, or welfare of a resident. 6. It removes an explicit statement of the Department's authority to delay or deny the transfer of a license due to previous disciplinary actions. 7. It exempts nonprofit corporations from having to disclose certain information. 8. It explicitly exempts the requirements of this Act from applying to certain actions that began prior to the effective date of this Act.]]> Thu, 21 May 2026 21:21:51 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143203 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 30 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE CHILD CARE AND DEPENDENT CARE EXPENSE TAX CREDIT.

This Act doubles the childcare and dependent care expense tax credit for resident households with federal adjusted gross income of less than $60,000 and makes that credit refundable, and differs from HS 1 by clarifying the credit is for residents only (as is the case currently), and corrects the means test of federal adjusted gross income threshold for taxpayers filing "joint" and "married filing separate combined" at $60,000. For all others, the tax credit remains unchanged.]]> Thu, 21 May 2026 17:37:41 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143218 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 30 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO A TAX EXEMPTION FOR NATIONAL GUARD AND UNIFORMED SERVICES OF THE UNITED STATES RESERVE MEMBERS.

This Act provides an exemption from state income tax for the amount of income or compensation received for federally required annual training, drills and field exercises, or inactive duty training by an individual who is a member of the National Guard or a reserve component of the Uniformed Services of the U.S. The bill’s provision applies to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2026.]]> Thu, 21 May 2026 17:36:59 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143386 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 26 AND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO LARGE ENERGY USE FACILITIES.

This Act requires large energy use facilities to produce renewable energy within the state to power their operations to prevent a drain on the electric grid. It provides for a “ramp-up” period requiring that a large energy use facility provide a plan to the Public Service Commission to ramp up their energy production within the state each year so that by the 10th year of operations, the facility is producing 100% of its energy usage through in-state production. This Act also allows the Public Service Commission to regulate electric suppliers insofar as necessary to ensure that large energy use facilities do not negatively affect the reliability of the electric grid.]]> Thu, 21 May 2026 13:03:43 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143384 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 21 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO TRAFFIC MONITORING SYSTEMS.

This Act creates a new chapter in Title 21 pertaining to electronic traffic violation monitoring systems, and moves the existing language from section 4170A pertaining to electronic speed monitoring systems to the new chapter. This Act also removes the sunset provision from the existing Laws of Delaware concerning the use of electronic speed monitoring systems. The Act further modifies the language to allow for the use of electronic monitoring systems for all traffic violations. ]]> Thu, 21 May 2026 13:03:43 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143388 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 3 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO AGRICULTURE AND STATE FORESTRY.

This bill makes technical corrections to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual, adds definitions for “urban forestry,” “urban forest,” and “Urban Tree Canopy,” and transfers § 1011 to § 1001 consistent with current legislative drafting guidance.]]> Thu, 21 May 2026 13:03:43 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143387 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 4 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE SALE OF ALCOHOLIC LIQUOR.

This Act allows municipalities or counties in Delaware to extend alcoholic liquor service hours for bars, restaurants, and clubs from 1:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.]]> Thu, 21 May 2026 13:03:43 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143374 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 9, TITLE 17, TITLE 22, AND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO LAND USE.

This Act is to be known as the Reforming Opportunities and Accelerated Development for Delaware Act (“ROAD-DE Act”). This Act will make significant changes to Delaware’s land use permitting process by building on Governor Meyer’s Executive Order No. 18, which created the Permitting Accelerator to reform policies, processes, and procedures that have accumulated over decades and are holding back jobs, housing, and other critical infrastructure statewide. In 2019, a study of Delaware’s permitting process was undertaken. The study concluded that Delaware’s permitting process was significantly longer and more challenging than those of surrounding states in the region. In 2025, this State began digitizing permitting processes. During the initial stages of that effort, more than 52 hours of interviews with 57 stakeholders were conducted across state agencies, local governments, developers, and technical experts. Those interviews revealed that statewide delays are not driven by isolated performance issues. Rather, they stem from structural misalignment, sequential review processes, incentive distortions, and capacity constraints that compound across agencies. Delaware’s permitting process can stretch beyond 24 months, placing this State at a distinct economic development disadvantage when it comes to attracting and growing businesses. In the region, Delaware’s competitors, including Maryland and Pennsylvania, can achieve substantially faster permit approvals, making them more attractive locations for economic development and affordable housing. The 2019 and 2025 studies resulted in recommendations that the permitting process be streamlined and modified to improve accountability and eliminate redundancies within various government agencies, particularly within the Delaware Department of Transportation (“DelDOT”). To implement these recommendations, this Act does all of the following: (1) Section 1 of this Act requires DelDOT to base the threshold for determining if a traffic impact study is required on peak-hour trips, not vehicle trips per day, and set the minimum peak hour trips threshold at 500 peak-hour trips for residential developments and 500 peak-hour trips, excluding pass-by trips, for all other development types. (2) Sections 2, 4, 6, and 8 of this Act require the counties and municipalities to base their threshold for determining if a traffic impact study is required on the same requirements as required for DelDOT in Section 1 of this Act. (3) Sections 3, 5, 7, and 8 of this Act require the counties and municipalities to establish residential density requirements of at least 4 dwelling units per acre, unless the Delaware State Housing Authority, by regulation, establishes a density requirement of more than 4 dwelling units per acre. (4) Section 9 of this Act requires DelDOT to deploy, operate, and maintain technological systems for the automated monitoring, analysis, and management of transportation infrastructure and traffic operations. (5) Section 10 of this Act provides that engineering studies or traffic investigations conducted by DelDOT may include automated or continuous data collection systems, remote sensing technologies, digital imaging, algorithmic analysis of traffic patterns, and other technological methods used to evaluate roadway safety, traffic operations, and infrastructure conditions. (6) Section 11 of this Act requires DelDOT to establish and collect transportation impact fees throughout this State and to use the moneys collected to fund off-site improvements to bring existing transportation infrastructure up to current State standards. Additionally, this Section requires DelDOT to use the moneys collected in the county in which the transportation impact fee was collected unless the county or the municipalities within the county fail to adopt the traffic impact study and residential density requirements under Sections 2 through 8 of this Act. Finally, this Section requires DelDOT to assess and collect a surcharge in the amount of 1% of the required transportation impact fee for the benefit of open space preservation, farmland preservation, and coastal restoration. This Act requires a greater than majority vote for passage because § 1 of Article IX of the Delaware Constitution requires the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members elected to each house of the General Assembly to amend a municipal charter, whether directly, by amendment to a specific municipality’s charter, or, as in this Act, indirectly, by a general law. This Act also makes technical corrections to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual.]]> Thu, 21 May 2026 13:03:43 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143385 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 14 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO BACKGROUND CHECKS FOR VOLUNTEERS IN EDUCATION.

This Act provides clarification that all individuals currently or prospectively serving as mentors to one or more students through a mentoring program under the Department of Education must submit to state and federal criminal background checks, and that they are subject to continued criminal record monitoring for 1 year.]]> Thu, 21 May 2026 13:03:39 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143377 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 21 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE SALE OF ELECTRIC MOPEDS AND ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLES.

The Truth in E-Bike Marketing Act protects Delaware consumers from purchasing an electric moped or electric motorcycle with the belief that the device may be used in the same way as an electric bicycle, addressing a growing area of market confusion. It prohibits dealers from advertising high-powered motor vehicles using terms like "electric bicycle" or “e-bike” and also requires that sellers provide clear, written disclosures regarding the vehicle's legal classification, maximum power, and the necessity for registration, licensing, and insurance. The bill classifies failure to provide these disclosures as an unlawful business practice. Finally, the bill clarifies that mopeds may not be operated on public pathways, bike lanes, or sidewalks and that crashes involving electric bicycles or mopeds must be identified on the state’s crash reporting website.]]> Thu, 21 May 2026 13:03:39 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143383 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 6 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO CRYPTOCURRENCY KIOSKS.

This Act prohibits cryptocurrency kiosks and mandates removal of existing cryptocurrency kiosks within 90 days of the effective date of the Act. A violation of the Act is an unlawful practice and prohibited trade practice. This Act also prohibits the circumvention of the kiosk ban through cashier-assisted or point-of-sale cryptocurrency transactions and extends liability to persons who facilitate such transactions or knowingly allow such activity to occur on their premises. Violators are subject to injunctive relief, a civil penalty not to exceed $10,000, and a private right of action for damages caused by the violation. ]]> Thu, 21 May 2026 13:03:39 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143376 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 19 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO SERVICE LETTERS, CHILD-CARE FACILITIES, AND HEALTH-CARE FACILITIES.

This Act adds the definition of child-serving entity for the purpose of requiring a service letter verification from any child-serving entity where an employee may have worked. “Child-serving entity” is already defined in § 309 of Title 31 and includes DSCYF, residential child-care facilities, public and private schools, youth camps, summer schools, and other entities. If a previous employer fails to respond to a service letter, this Act also requires that the prospective employee report the failure to respond to the DOL. ]]> Thu, 21 May 2026 13:03:39 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143375 Delaware - Committee AN ACT PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE XVI OF THE DELAWARE CONSTITUTION RELATING TO CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS.

This Act is the first leg of an amendment to the Delaware Constitution to authorize the General Assembly to hold a referendum on a proposed constitutional amendment in lieu of repassage by the next General Assembly. This Act also provides that constitutional amendments must be limited to a single subject, expressed in the bill’s title, like other bills enacted by the General Assembly (Section 16 of Article II of the Delaware Constitution). Because House Bill No. 320 of the 153rd General Assembly also proposes amendments to Section 1 of Article XVI of the Delaware Constitution, Sections 2 through 4 of this Act reconcile the interaction between House Bill No. 320 and this Act so that both this Act and House Bill No. 320 can both take effect if both are enacted by this and the next General Assembly. Amending the Delaware Constitution requires not only the passing of the changes in this Act, but also passage of the same changes after the next general election by the next General Assembly. This Act requires a greater than majority vote for passage because § 1 of Article XVI of the Delaware Constitution requires the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members elected to each house of the General Assembly to amend the Delaware Constitution. ]]> Thu, 21 May 2026 13:03:39 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143371 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND THE TOWN CHARTER OF THE TOWN OF SMYRNA.

This Act amends the Town of Smyrna Charter as follows: (1) Authorizes the Town to impose school impact fees on new development and construction as long as the impact fees do not exceed the impact fee that would otherwise be imposed by Kent County or New Castle County on development in unincorporated areas. (2) Authorizes the Board of Elections, and not the Town Council, to hear and decide challenges that are raised to the qualifications of candidates for the office of mayor and council. (3) Specifies that a vacancy in a council seat caused by the council member being elected as mayor is to be filled by the Town Council if less than a year is left on the term or by a special election if more than 1 year is left on the term. (4) Clarifies the standards to be used when determining the domicile of a prospective voter or candidate for office. (5) Establishes a 3-year term of office for the Board of Elections and clarifies that a tie vote for an office shall be resolved by the toss of a coin. (6) Eliminates the requirement that the Town Council meet the first and third Monday of each month and authorizes the Town Council to determine the day and frequency of monthly meetings at the annual organizational meeting. (7) Revises the annual audit deadline from June 30 to August 31. ]]> Thu, 21 May 2026 13:03:39 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143372 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLES 18, 29, AND 31 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO CERTIFIED REGISTERED NURSE ANESTHETISTS.

This Act prohibits individual, group, state employee, and Medicaid health plans from differentiating in the reimbursement rate of a health service based on whether the service was provided by a certified registered nurse anesthetist or by a physician. ]]> Thu, 21 May 2026 13:03:39 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143364 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 4, TITLE 11, TITLE 14, TITLE 16, TITLE 18, TITLE 20, TITLE 21, TITLE 24, TITLE 25, TITLE 29, THE CHARTER OF THE TOWN OF DEWEY BEACH, THE CHARTER OF THE CITY OF HARRINGTON, THE CHARTER OF THE TOWN OF HOUSTON, THE CHARTER OF THE CITY OF MILFORD, AND THE CHARTER OF THE TOWN OF MILLSBORO RELATING TO TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS.

In December 2025, the Code Revisors provided the General Assembly with a list of potential technical corrections that they identified as they revised the Delaware Code to reflect legislation that was enacted by the 153rd General Assembly in 2025 or as they reviewed titles of the Code. While technical in nature, these changes are beyond the authority of the Code Revisors to make and can only be done by the General Assembly through legislation. This Act also includes technical corrections identified outside of the list provided by the Code Revisors. This Act requires a greater than majority vote for passage to err on the side of caution because some of the sections of the Delaware Code being revised may require a super-majority vote under the Delaware Constitution. This Act also makes also makes basic technical corrections to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual. Section 1. This section corrects an error in § 1354(b)(4) of Title 4 from House Bill No. 110 of the 153rd General Assembly by deleting an extraneous “and” to make it clear that the specified limitations regarding marijuana establishment license applicant eligibility apply to any of among the directors, officers, board members, or such other person who holds an ownership interest of 10% or more in a licensed marijuana establishment or a business entity that is an applicant for a marijuana establishment Section 2. This section corrects an error in § 811(a)(3) of Title 11 from Senate Substitute No. 1 for Senate Bill No. 356 of the 126th General Assembly in misidentifying a paragraph reference from the Criminal Code of 1953 as a subsection reference. Section 3. This section corrects an error in § 917(a)(1) of Title 11 from House Bill No. 284 of the 142nd General Assembly by updating an internal reference to a defined term in 25 Del. C. § 7003(13) and by making a technical correction to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual style. Section 4. This section corrects an error in § 1301(d)(1) of Title 11 from Senate Bill No. 48 of the 153rd General Assembly by making clear that neither paragraph (a)(3)b.1. nor (a)(3)b.1. of that statute are violated if a parent of a student with and individualized education program is addressing a health or safety concern involving their student. Section 5. This section corrects an error in § 4201(c) of Title 11 from Senate Bill No. 285 of the 139th General Assembly by correcting the impression that rape crimes, as defined by present statutes, are not violent felonies. Section 6. This section corrects an error in § 9423(3)b. of Title 11 from Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill No. 17 of the 153rd General Assembly by inserting the missing words “have a right” in order to match context in introductory paragraph (3) of that statute. Section 7. This section corrects an error in § 1703(d)(3) of Title 14 from House Bill No. 1 from the 146th General Assembly by inserting a missing introductory paragraph for paragraph (d)(3)b. Section 8. This section corrects errors in § 3480(a)(7) and (g) of Title 14 from House Bill No.160 of the 153rd General Assembly by correcting syntax and punctuation in (a)(7) and revising grammar in (g) to prevent use of a double negative. Section 9. This section corrects a grammar error in the introductory paragraph of § 3124 of Title 16 from Senate Bill No. 273 of the 136th General Assembly. Section 10. This section inserts use of the Oxford comma in § 4908B of Title 16 as missing in Senate Bill No. 129 of the 153rd General Assembly. Section 11. This section adds § 5196B(d) of Title 16 which was inserted by House Bill No. 225 of the 153rd General Assembly without appropriate underlining. Section 12. This section corrects a style error in § 402(3) of Title 18 from Senate Bill No. 462 from the 138th General Assembly by deleting “(1)” following “§ 5901” as directed by the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual. Section 13. This section corrects errors in § 3371 of Title 18 from House Bill No. 381 of the 148th General Assembly by making clear that the defined terms apply to the entire subchapter and by making stylistic changes as directed by the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual. Section 14. This section corrects errors in § 3401 of Title 18 from Senate Bill No. 160 of the 135th General Assembly by inserting an introductory paragraph to this defined terms statute, and inserting Oxford commas, as directed by the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual. Section 15. This section corrects a copy and paste error in § 3565A(b) of Title 18 from Senate Bill No. 207 of the 147th General Assembly by properly substituting “group and blanket” for “individual” and by making stylistic changes as directed by the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual. Section 16. This section corrects errors in § 5901 of Title 18 from Senate Bill No. 46 of the 146th General Assembly and Senate Bill 154 of the 147th General Assembly by placing the defined terms in alphabetical order, redesignating them accordingly, standardizing language, and inserting Oxford commas as directed by the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual. Section 17. This section adjusts internal references in § 5920(a) of Title 18 based upon corrections in Section 15 of this Act, which placed the defined terms in § 5901 of Title 18 in alphabetical order and redesignated them accordingly. Section 18. This section corrects an outdated reference in § 3116(a)(1) of Title 20, from House Bill No. 263 from the 139th General Assembly by substituting “Secretary of the Department of Safety and Homeland Security” for “Secretary of Public Safety.” Section 19. This section corrects an error in § 3102(d)(1) of Title 21 from Senate Bill No. 325 of the 140th General Assembly by updating a U.S. Code citation to the registration provisions in § 3 of the federal Military Selective Services Act. Section 20. This section makes grammar corrections, as directed by the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual, to § 1799H(1), (2), (4), (7), and (8) of Title 24 as originally enacted by Senate Bill No. 259 of the 145th General Assembly. Section 21. This section corrects an error in § 2817(6)b. of Title 24 from House Bill No. 81 of the 153rd General Assembly by inserting the missing words “registrant status” following “the applicant’s IntPE” in the penultimate sentence. Section 22. This section corrects errors in § 7013(g)(1) of Title 25 from Senate Substitute 2 for Senate Bill No. 56 of the 153rd General Assembly by inserting language, regarding transactions to terminate the right to transfer manufactured home leases, which had been added in the bill without appropriate underlining of new insertions. Section 23. This section deletes stray language in § 8814(g) of Title 29 to correct an error which was created when House Substitute 1 for House Bill No. 1 of the 153rd General Assembly amended the subsection without taking into account prior amendments to the subsection by both House Bill No. 437 of the 152nd General Assembly and Senate Bill No. 169 of the 153rd General Assembly. Section 24. This section corrects a punctuation error in the Charter of the Town of Dewey Beach from Senate Bill No. 121 of the 153rd General Assembly. Section 25. This section corrects an insertion underlining error in the Charter of the City of Harrington from Senate Bill No. 183 of the 153rd General Assembly. Section 26. This section corrects strike-through and underline errors in the Charter of the Town of Houston from Senate Bill No. 171 of the 153rd General Assembly. Section 27. This section corrects an insertion underlining error in the Charter of the City of Milford from House Bill No. 146 of the 153rd General Assembly. Section 28. This section corrects an insertion underlining error in the Charter of the Town of Millsboro from House Bill No. 25 of the 153rd General Assembly.]]> Thu, 21 May 2026 13:03:39 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143369 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 13 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO CUSTODY PROCEEDINGS.

This Act creates a rebuttable presumption that the Court shall order equal parenting time if the parties live within 25 miles of the child’s daycare or school. Equal parenting time may be amended if it is determined a parent is not tending to the child’s health or educational needs.]]> Thu, 21 May 2026 13:03:39 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143168 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 11 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO REPORTING AND REVIEW OF DEATHS OF INDIVIDUALS IN CUSTODY OF LAW ENFORCEMENT.

In 2013, Congress enacted the Death in Custody Reporting Act of 2013, 34 U.S.C. § 60105, which requires states to report to the U.S. Department of Justice the deaths of individuals who die in the custody of law enforcement. Failure to comply may result in the reduction of certain federal grant funds. In 2024, the Criminal Justice Council, which is responsible for ensuring Delaware's participation in the data collection required by the Death in Custody Reporting Act of 2013, arranged for the Statistical Analysis Center to serve as the Criminal Justice Center's agent to coordinate and manage the logistics of this data collection. The Criminal Justice Council and Statistical Analysis Center issued guidance to law enforcement on the requirements of the Death in Custody Reporting Act of 2013 and the process and procedures to be used to comply with these reporting requirements. This Act codifies the process and procedures established by the Criminal Justice Council and Statistical Analysis Center related to the reporting required by the Death in Custody Reporting Act of 2013. In addition, this Act requires compliance reporting and provides that a law-enforcement agency that fails to comply with this Act is ineligible for certain funding until the agency complies with this Act.]]> Thu, 21 May 2026 13:03:39 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143255 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 20 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE DELAWARE DISASTER RECOVERY FUND.

This Act creates a Disaster Recovery Fund (the "Fund") to provide disaster recovery assistance to Delaware residents and local governments affected by disasters. The Fund is intended to provide means for program creation following an extreme event with regard to short-term recovery needs, the provision of interim housing assistance, support for the repair, restoration, reconstruction, or replacement of occupied damaged or destroyed homes, assistance in addressing gaps in insurance coverage, prioritization of health and safety issues to ensure that housing remains habitable, and support for long-term recovery initiatives. The Fund will be administered in accordance with guidelines set by the Recovery Advisory Council, or "RAC," which is established by the Act. The Fund will consist of any appropriations, grants, gifts, contributions, or revenues received by the Fund from any source. It will be divided into at least 2 components, including: (1) the DEMA Recovery and Resilience Program, which previously existed as Executive Order #44, or the Delaware Resilience Fund, and which will receive funding to focus on recovery initiatives, and (2) the DSHA Housing Recovery Program, which will receive funding to address housing recovery needs. The RAC shall establish prescribed impetuses that trigger the use of funds for mitigation and preparedness projects, including establishing a dollar amount threshold for the fund beyond which funds can be spent on mitigation and preparedness, and establishing a minimum time period of at least one year beyond which, if the Fund is not utilized for its primary objectives, funds can be spent on mitigation and preparedness. Eligible uses would include funding for disaster risk reduction, hazard mitigation projects, or community resilience initiatives or use as a "match" for costs associated with federal mitigation or preparedness grant dollars for initiatives in mitigation and preparedness. The RAC will convene biannually, upon activation request, when post-disaster assistance requests exceed the available balance of the Fund, or in accordance with its bylaws. The RAC consists of the Director of the Delaware Emergency Management Agency or designee; the Director of the Delaware State Housing Authority or designee; the State Hazard Mitigation Officer or designee; the Directors of the Emergency Management Agencies for Sussex County, Kent County, and New Castle County or their designees; the Disaster Coordinator of the Department of Health and Social Services or designee; and the following members, appointed by the Governor: representatives from the Delaware League of Local Government and the Delaware Community Foundation; a member of local government from an affected or impacted community; a member with expertise in disability services, independent living, or access and functional needs, and any additional cabinet secretary or subject matter expert. The Fund may be activated when a disaster occurs and affects an amount of housing, residents, or property predetermined within DEMA or DSHA programmatic guidelines, if damage occurs that exceeds the capacity of the affected locality and assistance is requested from the corresponding county, if the support required for recovery exceeds the capacity of the corresponding county and the county makes a request to the Fund's program managers, or if the Governor declares a state of emergency or requests fund activation. ]]> Thu, 21 May 2026 13:03:39 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143230 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 21 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES.

This bill creates a special license plate for Delaware State University to support student access, academic excellence, and university programs that advance the institution’s mission.]]> Thu, 21 May 2026 13:03:39 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143227 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 16 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO HOSPITAL DISCHARGE PLANS FOR PREGNANT PATIENTS.

This Act requires that a hospital create a discharge plan if a pregnant patient who is experiencing signs or symptoms consistent with labor is discharged before delivery. This requirement to create a discharge plan applies to patients discharged from either in-patient treatment or observation status and must contain all of the following: 1. Aftercare instructions and guidelines and that these instructions and guidelines were explained to the patient, patient’s agent, or patient’s lay caregiver. 2. An assessment of travel distance and time between the primary residence of the patient and the hospital. 3. Verification of reliable transportation between the primary residence of the patient and the hospital. 4. Identification of a back-up hospital or facility at which the patient may obtain labor and delivery services. This Act is modeled on the Women Expansion of Learning and Labor Safety or WELLS Act, H.R. 7830, which was introduced in Congress on March 5, 2026. The WELLS Act is named after Mercedes Wells, a Black woman who was forced to give birth on the side of the road minutes after being discharged from a hospital while in active labor. Under existing law, Chapter 30J of Title 16 provides discharge planning requirements when a patient is being discharged home after admission to a hospital. The requirements under this Act are in addition to, but can be combined with, these existing discharge planning requirements if the patient being discharged is pregnant and experiencing signs or symptoms consistent with labor. This Act also renames and reorganizes Chapter 30J of Title 16 by making existing law Subchapter I and creating a new Subchapter II with the requirements under this Act. As such, this Act makes corresponding changes to existing law to change references to Chapter 30J to the new subchapter.]]> Thu, 21 May 2026 13:03:39 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143213 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 6 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO CONSUMER PROTECTION.

This Act adds a clarifying interpretive paragraph to the Delaware Consumer Fraud Act (Subchapter II, Chapter 25, Title 6 of the Code) to address a recent decision by the Delaware Supreme Court and to make clear that the Consumer Fraud Act’s use of the phrase “in connection with” in § 2513 should be interpreted to include unfair and deceptive acts and practices that occur “before, during, and after” the sale, lease, receipt, or advertisement of any merchandise. The Delaware Supreme Court recently construed the Consumer Fraud Act to be confined to conduct “between businesses and consumers which happen before a transaction or during the transaction itself.” Blue Beach Bungalows DE, LLC v. State, No. 14, 2025, 2025 WL 3768232, at *11 (Del. Dec. 30, 2025). However, in recognition of the broad purpose of the Consumer Fraud Act set forth by the 123rd General Assembly in Section 2512, subsequent amendments to the Consumer Fraud Act to include the “receipt” of merchandise, and the scope of comparable statutes in other states, this bill ensures that the Consumer Fraud Act is interpreted to apply to unfair or deceptive conduct that occurs after a sale, lease, receipt, or advertisement, including, but not limited to, conduct occurring in instances in which a sale, lease, receipt, or advertisement creates an ongoing relationship or a continuing obligation, or where performance has not yet been completed. This aligns the Consumer Fraud Act with Unfair or Deceptive Acts or Practices (“UDAP”) laws with similar language in other states, as well as many other UDAP laws, including the FTC Act, that cover post-transaction conduct. This Act will allow the Delaware Department of Justice to use the Consumer Fraud Act to address the full range of unfair and deceptive acts or practices that consumers report to the Delaware Department of Justice, including, for example, false and threatening landlord communications, unscrupulous debt collection tactics, and failures to honor promises to fix returned merchandise. It will also ensure that businesses throughout the state can compete on a level playing field throughout the duration of their relationships with consumers, without being undercut by unscrupulous competitors who engage in post-transaction misconduct. Additionally, it ensures that the Delaware Department of Justice is not disadvantaged when coordinating with other states to hold entities accountable for unfair or deceptive acts or practices that are nationwide in scope. ]]> Thu, 21 May 2026 13:03:39 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143003 Delaware - Committee AN ACT PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE III OF THE DELAWARE CONSTITUTION RELATING TO FILLING A VACANCY IN THE OFFICE OF THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR.

This Act is the first leg of a constitutional amendment to hold a special election when there is a vacancy in the office of Lieutenant Governor, unless that vacancy occurs between July 1 of the year in which the Lieutenant Governor is chosen and the date the Lieutenant Governor’s term begins. This Act is modeled after the process of holding a special election for a vacancy for a member of the General Assembly. As with special elections for the General Assembly, the details of the special election process for the Lieutenant Governor will be made part of Title 15 by separate legislation introduced along with the second leg of this constitutional amendment in the 154th General Assembly. This Act requires a greater than majority vote for passage because § 1 of Article XVI of the Delaware Constitution requires the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members elected to each house of the General Assembly to amend the Delaware Constitution. Amending the Delaware Constitution requires not only the passing of the changes in this Act, but also passage of the same changes after the next general election by the next General Assembly. This Act also makes technical corrections to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual.]]> Thu, 21 May 2026 13:03:39 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143368 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 14 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO SCHOOL BUILDING SAFETY.

This Act updates the school building maintenance standards to require the facilities evaluation instrument be established through regulation by the Department of Education rather than just through guidance from the Department. It also clarifies that the minimum standard of good repair facility category related to hazardous materials includes that of lead. ]]> Wed, 20 May 2026 18:14:31 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143359 Delaware - Committee AN ACT AMEND TITLE 18 AND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO HEARING AID COVERAGE.

Early access to language is essential to child development. Children identified as Deaf or hard of hearing rely on hearing aids for language development. Language development leads to success in school. Medicaid coverage of hearing aids for children younger than 21 years old applies only to children who qualify for Medicaid. Delaware currently requires private insurers to provide minimum coverage of $1,000 for each hearing aid for individuals younger than 24 years old, covered as a dependent by the policyholder. The cost of hearing aids can vary widely but can cost from $3,000 to $5,000 out-of-pocket. This can be too expensive for families, even with the current $1,000 coverage requirement. The cost of a cochlear implant can range from $30,000 to $100,000, depending on the necessary device, surgery, and rehabilitation. Delaware does not currently require insurers to cover the costs of cochlear implants. This Act is a second substitute for Senate Bill No. 269 and differs from the first substitute Senate Bill No. 269 by changing the cost-sharing limitation to require insurers to cover at least 95%, instead 100%, of the cost of benefits for hearing aid and earmold benefits provided under § 3357(b)(1)a., § 3571A(b)(1)a., and § 5224(b)(1)a. of this Act. Like the first substitute to Senate Bill No. 269, this Act differs from Senate Bill No. 269 in all of the following ways: 1) Includes external sound processors in the definition of a cochlear implant. 2) Clarifies that, for group and blanket health policies and the state employee health plan, the required coverage of hearing-aid related parts and services is limited to individuals younger than 26 years old and covered as a dependent by the policyholder. 3) Names this Act in honor of T. Hollis Jennings who is a testament to the success of state-mandated hearing aid coverage and early intervention. Hollis got hearing aids when she was an infant. Her language developed typically, with no need for speech therapy. She now exceeds grade-level benchmarks in math and ELA. She’s also a phenomenal singer. 4) Makes technical changes to strike through and underline format to make it easier to see changes and to correct grammar. Like Senate Bill No. 269 and the first substitute for Senate Bill No. 269, this Act requires individual health insurance policies under Chapter 33 of Title 18, group and blanket health insurance policies under Chapter 35 of Title 18, and the state employee health plan under Chapter 52 of Title 29 to cover all of the following: 1) At least 1 hearing aid for each ear at least every 3 years, or before the expiration of the 3-year period if a health care professional determines that a new hearing aid is medically necessary. For hearing aids with earmolds, insurers are required to cover at least 1 earmold for each ear at least annually, or sooner if new earmolds are medically necessary. The cost-sharing limitation applies only to coverage of hearing aids. The types of hearing aid covered includes a hearing aid with an earmold, a hearing aid with slim tubing, a receiver-in-ear hearing aid, a bone-anchored hearing aid, and a cochlear implant. 2) Medically necessary hearing aid-related parts, attachments, or accessories. 3) Medically necessary related services related to prescribing, fitting, implanting, or dispensing hearing aids. Coverage must include medically necessary related services provided by a hearing care professional who specializes in providing care to pediatric patients. For individual health insurance policies, the coverage required under this Act applies to all covered individuals, regardless of age, because federal law prohibits states from limiting coverage for an essential health benefit based on an individual’s age unless there is a clinical reason. For group and blanket health insurance policies and the state employee health plan, the required coverage applies only to individuals younger than 26 years old and covered as a dependent by the policyholder. This Act also makes technical corrections to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual and reorganizes paragraphs for clarity. This Act applies to all policies, contracts, or certificates issued, renewed, modified, altered, amended, or reissued after December 31, 2027.]]> Wed, 20 May 2026 18:14:16 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142476 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE INNOVATING DELAWARE ACT.

This Act creates a tax credit for which accelerators may apply to incentivize the creation of industry and innovative businesses in Delaware. This tax credit may not reduce the recipient's tax burden by more than 50% and the program will be administered by the Division of Revenue. ]]> Wed, 20 May 2026 14:59:35 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143363 Delaware - Committee REQUIRING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO REVIEW AND REPORT ON DELAWARE MATHEMATICS INSTRUCTION AND MULTI-TIERED SYSTEM OF SUPPORT.

This House Concurrent Resolution requires the Delaware Department of Education to review the State's current MTSS framework in coordination with the DE Mathematics Framework as it relates to elementary, middle, and high school mathematics within academic and non-academic supports to develop recommendations to strengthen instructional coherence in math, assessment, and the alignment of support across all tiers of instruction and report findings and recommendations for legislative and regulatory action by June 30, 2027.]]> Wed, 20 May 2026 12:44:32 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143361 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 14 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO DELAWARE APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS.

This Act establishes a Delaware Healthcare Apprenticeship Degree Program to be developed by the Department of Labor in partnership with the Department of Eduation. The Departments will work together to create a program that places aspiring healthcare professionals in paid positions in healthcare facilities, while the prospective healthcare applicants complete the training and schooling necessary to become a credentialed healthcare professional. This program will complement the Educator Program to create a low-cost pathway for aspiring healthcare applicants to earn their credits and gain training. Additionally, this Act directs the Department of Labor to engage with Delaware Health and Social Services and Delaware Human Resources to develop future apprenticeship programs to meet the needs of workforces across the State. This Act also provides that the Department of Labor is to consult with stakeholders to make recommendations for other degreed apprenticeship programs beyond healthcare and that the Department must prepare a report of its findings and submit it to the Governor, General Assembly, and the Division of Legislative Services by May 1, 2027. ]]> Wed, 20 May 2026 12:44:32 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143355 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 9 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO COMPOSTING.

This Act allows for the composting of yard waste, food residuals, and other organic materials on property zoned for agricultural purposes. County governments may limit the square footage allowed for this activity, but must allow for at least 5000 square feet per 4 acres of property. ]]> Wed, 20 May 2026 12:44:32 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143238 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 26 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO ELIGIBLE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CARRIERS FOR LIFELINE SERVICES.

This Act gives Delaware’s Public Service Commission (“Commission”) the authority to designate a telecommunications provider or reseller as an eligible telecommunications carrier (“ETC”) for the purpose of providing Lifeline services. Lifeline is a Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) program that helps make phone and internet services more affordable for low-income consumers. Approximately 8,700 Delawareans participate in Lifeline. Currently, the determination of which telecommunications services companies can operate as Lifeline ETCs in Delaware is made by the FCC. This Act shifts that authority to the Commission, and in doing so, brings Delaware into line with nearly every other state in the nation. The reason for this nationwide trend is that in the past 15-20 years, the FCC has stopped taking action on approving ETCs for Lifeline on behalf of states. The FCC is not opposed to states stepping into this gap, but Delaware cannot do so absent statutory changes. By giving the Commission the authority to designate Lifeline ETCs, this Act will allow additional Lifeline providers to support this State’s residents. Because the FCC handles the administration and expenses of the program, there is no cost to the State as a result of taking on this authority. This Act takes effect immediately, but implementation is delayed to give the Commission time to amend its regulations to be consistent with this Act. ]]> Wed, 20 May 2026 12:44:32 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143194 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 14 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE PUBLIC EDUCATION FUNDING COMMISSION.

Under Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 201 (152nd General Assembly) and House Concurrent Resolution No. 2 (153rd General Assembly), the Public Education Funding Commission (Commission) has studied how to improve Delaware's public education funding policies so that public school funding is equitable and appropriated in a manner that allows public schools, including both school districts and charter schools, to not only spend all money that is appropriated but to do so in a manner that best meets the needs of the students in each school. This Act implements the Commission’s recommendation that the Public Education Funding Commission be established as a permanent body. As set forth in Senate Bill No. 302 (153rd General Assembly), the Commission recommended that the General Assembly enact what is known as the hybrid formula. The hybrid formula combines elements of the current funding calculations with a weighted needs-based approach that provides additional funding for students who receive career and technical education or special education services, who are multilingual learners, and who live in low-income households. Codified, the Commission will have a crucial role in implementing and maintaining the benefits of the hybrid model by continually reviewing the hybrid model, including the amounts of the required weights, if school spending of state appropriations complies with the applicable requirements, and making recommendations for improvements. The continual review of public education funding by the Commission will allow adjustments to be made on a gradual and incremental basis as needed.]]> Wed, 20 May 2026 12:44:32 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143195 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND THE LAWS OF DELAWARE RELATING TO PUBLIC EDUCATION FUNDING.

This Act recognizes that the Public Education Funding Committee’s (PEFC) recommended hybrid model formula to determine public education funding is good public policy and that implementation of the hybrid model should not be delayed any longer than absolutely necessary. As such, this Act provides authority for the Department of Education (Department) to begin making the changes to systems that are necessary to implement the hybrid model for Fiscal Year 2028. This Act also encourages that, in collaboration with the PEFC, the Department incorporate elements of the hybrid model in the development of the Governor’s Recommended Budget for Fiscal Year 2028 for consideration by the 154th General Assembly. However, during this transition, a school district or charter school should not receive a state appropriation for Fiscal Year 2028 that is lower than the amount that school received in Fiscal Year 2027. The PEFC was established under Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 201 (152nd General Assembly) on June 27, 2024, and then re-established under House Concurrent Resolution No. 2 (153rd General Assembly) on January 21, 2025, to conduct a comprehensive review of public education funding for all students and populations served by school districts and charter schools (public schools) and develop a roadmap of recommendations to implement improvements to the public education funding system. The PEFC’s recommends adopting a new public education funding framework, known as the “hybrid model”, that combines the current, resource-based funding formula with a student-based, weighted funding model. The hybrid model will improve equity in public school funding and facilitate gains in student achievement by increasing flexibility in how public schools may use appropriated money. The PEFC recommendations include accountability measures as an important balance to the increased flexibility and that the equalization formula must be modernized.]]> Wed, 20 May 2026 12:44:32 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143172 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 25 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE LANDLORD-TENANT CODE.

This Act requires that when all or part of the tenant’s rent is paid from a state fund for reentry services, a landlord must assist the tenant in completing a discharge plan to attempt to provide a warm handoff before terminating the tenant’s lease. This Act also closes a loophole in existing law that allows unlicensed or uncertified operators of residential housing to claim exemption from the Residential Landlord-Tenant Code, including the procedural requirements for an eviction. Existing laws prohibit someone from losing their housing without notice because • A landlord must comply with the notice and judicial procedure under the Residential Landlord-Tenant Code, Part III, Title 25. • Licensed health care providers must provide discharge planning before an individual is required to leave a residential treatment program under § 1127, § 5161, and § 3004J of Title 16. • Certified recovery homes must make a reasonable effort to connect a resident with appropriate services when terminating the resident’s admission agreement under § 2206A of Title 16. Section 1 of this Act closes a loophole in current law that allows some landlords to claim their tenants are excluded under § 5102(1) of Title 25 from the protections required before eviction under the Residential Landlord-Tenant Code without being required to provide discharge planning or connecting the resident with appropriate services. This Act revises 3 of the exclusions by using the modern terms and where possible, the applicable licensing law for this State, to prevent housing providers from claiming exclusion from the Residential Landlord-Tenant Code even if the provider is not licensed or certified to provide services. This Act does not apply to or revise the exclusions to the Residential Landlord-Tenant Code under paragraphs (4) through (6) of § 5102 of Title 25, including the existing exclusion for certified recovery houses. Section 2 of this Act creates new requirements under § 5512A of Title 25 if all or part of a tenant’s rent is paid using money from a State reentry fund. Before or with the first payment, the person responsible for payments from the fund must provide the landlord with an explanation of these requirements, contact information, and the model discharge plan. The Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS), in consultation with the Department of Justice (DOJ), must create a model discharge plan. Then, before terminating the tenant’s lease, the landlord must assist the individual in creating a discharge plan that includes shelter or housing and provide notice that the tenant’s lease is being terminated as follows: • To the person making rent payments from the fund. • If the landlord knows that the tenant is under the supervision of the Department of Correction, to the Department of Correction and the local law enforcement agency. If a landlord fails to comply with the discharge planning and notice requirements, the landlord is debarred from receiving payments from any State reentry fund for 1 year. If the landlord is receiving payments from a State reentry fund for any other tenants, those tenants are not responsible for the share of the rent that was paid by the fund and have the option to do any of the following: • Continue the tenancy without payments from the fund. If the tenant chooses to continue their tenancy, the amount of their rent becomes the tenant’s share of the rent, calculated by subtracting the amount paid by the fund from the total rent under the rental agreement. • Terminate the lease immediately. • Terminate the lease with 30 to 60 days notice. These requirements are enforceable by the Department of Justice and also by the Justice of the Peace Court, because the contents of an eviction complaint must include a brief statement of compliance with the requirements under § 5512A(c) and copies of all required notices. Section 3 of this Act is a technical clarification to clarify that “this Code” and “Landlord-Tenant Code” both refer to the Residential Landlord-Tenant Code under Part III of this title. Both “this Code” and “Landlord-Tenant Code” are used throughout Chapter 51 through Chapter 59 of Title 25 as abbreviations of the Residential Landlord-Tenant Code and under § 101 of Title 1, “this Code” could also refer to the entire Delaware Code. Section 4 of this Act makes the new requirements for reentry funds under § 5512A of Title 25 applicable to the rental of single rooms in owner-occupied buildings under § 5512 of Title 25. Section 4 also reorganizes the existing language in § 5512 because as 1 sentence, the current language is difficult to understand. This Act takes effect 6 months after enactment to provide time for DHSS and DOJ to develop the model discharge plan and for agencies, including the Department of Correction and local law enforcement agencies, to develop policies and procedures necessary to implement and respond to notification under these requirements. The new requirements under § 5512A of Title 25 apply to rental agreements entered into on or after the effective date of this Act. This Act also makes technical corrections to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual. This Act is known as “The Grace Peterson Act”.]]> Wed, 20 May 2026 12:44:32 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143337 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 16, TITLE 18, TITLE 29, AND TITLE 31 OF THE DELAWARE CODE, AND CHAPTER 237, VOLUME 83 OF THE LAWS OF DELAWARE, RELATING TO PRIMARY CARE SERVICES.

This Act amends Titles 16, 18, 29, and 31 of the Delaware Code and Chapter 237, Volume 83 of the Laws of Delaware relating to primary care insurance. Among other things, the Act does the following: Section 1 of the Act amends § 9903 of Title 16 of the Delaware Code to provide that the Health Care Commission, in coordination with the Primary Care Reform Collaborative, will monitor compliance of primary care providers with value-based care delivery models established under the Office of Value-Based Health Care Delivery (OVBHCD). Section 2 of the Act amends § 9904A of Title 16 to remove a time frame limitation for the period during which the Health Care Commission is authorized to request written reports by health insurers regarding progress in adopting and implementing value-based payment models. Under the Act, the PCRC may continue to request such reporting going forward. Section 3 of the Act amends § 329 of Title 18 to provide that administrative penalties for violations of §2503(a)(12), §2503(a)(15), § 3342B, and § 3556A of Title 18 may be equivalent to the amount of the violation, and that penalties imposed for such violations are to be deposited into a Primary Care Fund, which will be used by the Statewide Benefits Office and the Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance. Section 4 of the Act amends § 334 of Title 18 to clarify that the OVBHCD has the ability to promulgate regulations necessary to accomplish the stated goals of reducing health-care costs by increasing the availability of high quality, cost-efficient health insurance products that have stable, predictable, and affordable rates. Section 5 of the Act amends § 2503 of Title 18 to extend current cost containment calculations to rate filing year 2027. Given their relative size and patient populations within Delaware's health care market, Delaware's two smallest hospitals and lone free-standing children's hospital are exempt from that extension. In rate filing year 2028 and thereafter, the Act specifies that costs per service for health benefit plans may not exceed certain Medicare Reference-Based Pricing Targets, which are based on the “Full Medicare rate,” meaning the applicable wage-adjusted base Medicare rate for different services, the Free-Standing Children’s Hospital Medicare outpatient payment rate, or the TEFRA Rate, meaning the target amount under the federal Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act (TEFRA) Waiver Program applicable to Free-Standing Children's Hospitals, unless certain exemptions apply. Those exemptions are for Delaware's two smallest hospitals and, if making progress with value-based care, for a Delaware hospital in a high-growth, high-Medicare population region. Carriers issuing plans in the commercial market for 2 consecutive years and that cover more than 5,000 members must meet minimum percentages of alternative payment model contracting, as specified. Section 6 of the Act amends § 3342B of Title 18 concerning primary care coverage offered by individual insurance plans. Under the Act, starting in 2026, carriers must spend at least 11.5% of their total cost of medical care on primary care, at least 5% of which must be via prospective primary care management payments. Carriers must offer value-based care programs and may not deny contracted providers the opportunity to participate in an offered value-based care program. In addition, the Commissioner is required to issue regulations regarding the calculation of total cost of care. Section 7 of the Act applies the same changes as Section 6 of the Act to § 3556A of Title 18, concerning primary care coverage offered by group insurance plans. Section 8 of the Act deletes a sunsetting clause contained in Section 14, Chapter 237, Volume 83 of the Laws of Delaware, which would have repealed § 2503(a)(12)a., § 3442B(b)(3), and § 3556A(b)(3) of title 18, effective January 1, 2027. Section 9 of the Act amends § 5204 of Title 29 to provide that health-insurance coverage for public officers and employees shall be provided by a carrier whose cost per service may not exceed certain Medicare Reference-Based Pricing Targets, which are based on the Full Medicare rate, the Free-Standing Children's Hospital Medicare outpatient payment rate, or the TEFRA Rate, unless certain exemptions apply. Those exemptions are for Delaware's two smallest hospitals and, if making progress with value-based care, for a Delaware hospital in a high-growth, high-Medicare population region. In addition, Section 9 of the Act specifies that coverage shall be provided by a carrier offering value-based care programs equivalent to the commercial market requirements. Section 10 of the Act amends §5224 of Title 29 concerning primary care coverage of insurance coverage for public officers and employees, to require plans to report data to the OVBHCD on the percentage of primary care spending as a percentage of total medical costs for plan years 2027 and 2028 and to increase spending on primary care by 1% per year thereafter until primary care spending reaches 11.5% of total medical costs. Section 11 of the Act creates §539 of Title 31, concerning state public assistance, to require entities providing health insurance under § 505(3) to report data on the percentage of primary care spending as a percentage of total medical costs for 2 plan years and, in subsequent years, increase primary care spending by 1% until primary care spending reaches 11.5% of total medical costs. Section 12 of the Act provides that the Department of Insurance shall promulgate regulations pursuant to the Act within 18 months of enactment, but shall promulgate regulations on or before January 1, 2027 establishing a methodology to determine any appropriate annual inflationary or other applicable adjustments to a hospital's Full Medicare Rate. Like Senate Substitute No. 1 for Senate Bill No. 1, this Act differs from Senate Bill No. 1 in that it bases the limits for costs per service for health benefit plans on Medicare Reference-Based Pricing Targets, which may differ based on whether the services are outpatient services, inpatient hospital services, or emergency department services, and on whether the services are being provided by a Free-Standing Children's Hospital; under Senate Bill No. 1, the limits for cost-per-service were based on a percentage of Medicare reimbursement for comparable services. In addition, this Act provides more guidance regarding the application of exemptions from those limits. In addition, Senate Substitute No. 2 for Senate Bill No. 1 differs from Senate Bill No. 1 in that it makes technical edits to definitions and it provides that the Department of Insurance and the State Employee Benefits Office shall lead a process, in consultation with Delaware hospitals, to recommend an appropriate methodology to determine and apply any inflationary or other applicable adjustments to a hospital's Full Medicare Rate not otherwise captured in a hospital's annual Medicare rate update by January 1, 2027. Senate Substitute No. 2 for Senate Bill No. 1 also adds an exemption from the aggregate unit price growth limits in § 2503(a)(12)a.3. of Title 18 for a hospital that is a Free-Standing Children's Hospital, a hospital that qualifies as a Medicare-Dependent Rural Hospital on the grounds that it meets the definition of a Medicare-dependent hospital under 42 C.F.R. § 412.108 for at least 3 of the 5 years immediately preceding the applicable rate filing year, or an Urban Medicaid DSH Hospital.]]> Wed, 20 May 2026 12:44:32 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143299 Delaware - Committee REQUESTING THE DELAWARE DIVISION OF THE ARTS, IN COOPERATION WITH THE DIVISION OF SMALL BUSINESS, TO PREPARE A REPORT DETAILING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DEVELOPING AN ARTS, CULTURAL, OR CREATIVE DISTRICT PROGRAM.

This Concurrent Resolution requests the Delaware Division of the Arts, in cooperation with the Division of Small Business, prepare for consideration by the 154th General Assembly a report detailing recommendations for developing an arts, cultural, or creative district program and submit the report to the 154th General Assembly not later than April 2, 2027.]]> Wed, 20 May 2026 12:44:32 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143158 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO LARGE PUBLIC WORKS CONTRACTS.

This Act requires that the Office of Management and Budget prepare an annual report regarding hiring for state large public works projects with an aggregate cost of $3 million or more. The information in these reports will help identify if Delaware workers, particularly individuals who live near a state public works project, are being hired to work on these projects and for how many hours. This information will also inform the Department of Labor regarding the trades for which trainings should be developed, including details such as if there is a need for training that acclimates aging workers to new technology or to develop youth workforce trainings to prepare future generations to meet employer needs.]]> Tue, 19 May 2026 19:28:58 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143090 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 21 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO TRUCK PARKING.

This Act clarifies that penalties associated with section 4512 of Title 21, relating to truck parking, are applicable to parking violations in both residence and non-residence districts. This Act further clarifies that truck tractors (with and without attached trailers) may be prohibited from stopping, standing, or parking on highways in the same manner as trailers and semitrailers. ]]> Tue, 19 May 2026 19:28:43 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143043 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 11 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE POSSESSION AND PURCHASE OF DEADLY WEAPONS BY PERSONS PROHIBITED.

Current law prohibits persons subject to Family Court protective orders from purchasing or possessing deadly weapons, with some exceptions. This Act extends this prohibition to individuals with out-of-state protective orders as well.]]> Tue, 19 May 2026 19:28:27 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143080 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 11 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO REVERSE LOCATION AND REVERSE KEYWORD SEARCHES AND COURT ORDERS.

Reverse-keyword court orders enable the government to obtain technology search data without identifying any specific person as to which there is probable cause to believe they have committed or will imminently commit a crime. The profusion of electronic devices and apps in recent years has allowed recordation of numerous details of citizen’s everyday lives, that the government should not be permitted to collect and review at will. Such general searches allow the government to sweep in personal information about hundreds or thousands of people who are not suspected of having committed any crime. These searches are an invasion of privacy, have a potentially chilling effect on civil liberties, and sidestep requirements for individualized suspicion that are otherwise required for a lawful search. This House Substitute for House Bill No. 145 would prohibit law enforcement and courts from requesting, issuing, or enforcing reverse-keyword court orders and reverse-keyword requests, with the exception that reverse-keyword court orders and requests may be utilized to investigate suspected Class A Felonies so long as the search query returns 5 or fewer search hits. It also requires the suppression of evidence derived from an unlawful reverse-keyword search.]]> Tue, 19 May 2026 19:28:11 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=141891 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 11 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO RELEASE AND PUBLICATION OF THE NAME AND PHOTOGRAPH OF INDIVIDUALS CHARGED WITH CRIMES OR DELINQUENCY.

This Act extends certain limitations on the publication by law-enforcement of the name and photograph of crime suspects. Currently the Code prohibits the publication of the name and photograph of a juvenile suspect unless the juvenile is charged with a violent felony and the publication is necessary to protect the public’s safety. This Act would prohibit the release or publication of an adult suspect’s name or photograph unless the individual is charged with or suspected of a felony and the release is necessary to protect the public’s safety.]]> Tue, 19 May 2026 19:27:54 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143350 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 3 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE DELAWARE FARM TO COMMUNITY PROGRAM.

This Act codifies the Delaware Farm and Food Council’s Farm to Community Program as a state-led initiative called the Delaware Farm to Community Program. The Farm to Community Program launched in 2023 under the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement (LFPA). In 2 ½ growing seasons, the Farm to Community Program has effectively expanded the purchasing power of community outlets to procure local food products from local farmers and distribute the food products to individuals in need or facing food insecurity in Delaware’s urban and rural communities. Through this model, currently, 31 local farmers supply more than 100 varieties of fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy products to 9 community outlets that serve 105 food distribution sites. The USDA canceled LFPA funding in 2025. Codifying the Farm to Community Program ensures continuity, strengthens Delaware’s food system infrastructure, increases availability of fresh and healthy seasonal foods, and increases the economic viability of local farmers, particularly small and medium-scale farmers.]]> Tue, 19 May 2026 19:27:25 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143184 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 31 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO CHILD CARE SUBSIDIES TO INCREASE ELIGIBILITY THRESHOLDS OVER FIVE YEARS.

This Act temporarily addresses Delaware's childcare crisis by gradually increasing Purchase of Care eligibility from 200% to 275% FPL over 5 years starting July 1, 2026, reducing benefit cliffs and supporting moderate-income families. It includes a sunset clause expiring June 30, 2031, to allow evaluation and ensure fiscal sustainability, with annual reporting on impacts.]]> Tue, 19 May 2026 18:09:55 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143349 Delaware - Committee AN ACT PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE V OF THE DELAWARE CONSTITUTION RELATING TO ELECTIONS AND VOTING.

This Act is the first leg of a constitutional amendment that would require that only natural persons be allowed to vote in any election in this State, and forbid corporations and other artificial entities from voting in such elections. This Act requires a greater than majority vote for passage because § 1 of Article XVI of the Delaware Constitution requires the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members elected to each house of the General Assembly to amend the Delaware Constitution. In addition, as the first leg of a constitutional amendment, the next General Assembly must pass an act concurring with this Act for it to become part of the Delaware Constitution.]]> Tue, 19 May 2026 12:46:59 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143347 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 18 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE STEP THERAPY EXCEPTION PROCESS.

This Act modernizes Delaware law by adding modern medical treatment options biologics or biosimilars to the step therapy exception process. The current law was passed before biosimilars were widely available. Biosimilars are to biologics what generic drugs are to traditional drugs once their exclusivity expires. This revision adds an exclusion to step therapy protocol exceptions for interchangeable biologics and biosimilars. ]]> Tue, 19 May 2026 12:46:59 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143346 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 14 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO EMPLOYEES AND SALARY SUPPLEMENTS.

This Act increases the salary supplement for school counselors and school nurses from 6% to 12% upon national certification. It further clarifies that salary supplements only apply if the employee is employed in the applicable profession and permits the DOE to identify additional positions subject to a salary supplement in Department regulations. ]]> Tue, 19 May 2026 12:46:59 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143342 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 30 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO STATE AID TO MUNICIPALITIES FOR STREETS.

This Act removes the requirement that certain reports to the State Aid to Municipalities for Streets Program be notarized and printed and permits reports to be submitted by electronic submission with a unique identifier. This Act also requires that the annual report that is submitted to the State Treasurer also be submitted to the Department of Transporation. ]]> Tue, 19 May 2026 12:46:59 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143340 Delaware - Committee AN ACT PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE II OF THE DELAWARE CONSTITUTION RELATING TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

This is the first leg of a constitutional amendment creating a "Crossover Day" deadline for each House of the General Assembly to send legislation over to the other House. The annual budget appropriation act, grants-in-aid act, bond and capital improvements act, and resolutions are excluded from this deadline. Currently 26 states, including Maryland, have crossover day deadlines for passing legislation between their two legislative chambers.]]> Tue, 19 May 2026 12:46:59 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143339 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 11 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO OFFENSES INVOLVING DEADLY WEAPONS AND DANGEROUS INSTRUMENTS.

Hunting and those permitted to hunt in Delaware are strictly regulated by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (the "Department"). Federal and Delaware law and Department regulations specifically regulate and strictly limit the dates, times, locations, methods, and types of firearms or projectile weapons permitted to be used to hunt in Delaware. Every individual age 16 to 17 is required to take a Delaware approved Basic Hunter Education Course administered by the Department prior to the issuance of a Delaware Hunting License. A Delaware approved Basic Hunter Education Course teaches young hunters safety, ethics, firearm types, safe gun handling, marksmanship techniques, specialty hunting techniques, wildlife management, wildlife identification, survival, and compliance with hunting laws and regulation. This bill establishes that individuals aged 16 to 17 may possess a firearm while hunting without the direct supervision of a person 21 years or older, provided they have completed a Delaware approved Basic Hunter Education Course and have been issued and are digitally or physically in possession of a valid Delaware Adult Hunting License issued by the Department.]]> Tue, 19 May 2026 12:46:59 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143325 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 15 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO AUTOMATIC VOTER REGISTRATION VERIFICATION AND ONGOING ELIGIBILITY REVIEW.

This Substitute Bill requires the Division of Motor Vehicles, which is the only state agency that administers automatic voter registration, to conduct an audit of certain voter registrations that: (1) have a non-federally compliant driver's license or identification, (2) their documents predate the implementation of REAL ID, and (3) obtained a driver's license or identification card after Automatic Voter Registration took effect June 21, 2023. The Department of Elections, in coordination with the Division of Motor Vehicles, is to report the audit's findings within 1 year of completing the audit.]]> Tue, 19 May 2026 12:46:59 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143328 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 10 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO INTERPERSONAL AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE IN THE MILITARY.

This Act requires that the court consider the existence of a military protective order as a significant factor in favor of granting an ex parte protective order. It further requires that a law-enforcement officer notify the agency that entered a military protective order against an individual, if the law-enforcement officer has probable cause to believe that the individual violated the military protective order.]]> Tue, 19 May 2026 12:46:59 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143151 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO PUBLIC BODIES.

This Act clarifies that quorum does not define the identity of a public body. Under rules of parliamentary procedure like Mason’s Manual or Robert’s Rules of Order, quorum is used to determine whether enough of a body is present to conduct business. Under Delaware’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), quorum is used to determine whether a public body is holding a “meeting” as defined under FOIA and therefore required to comply with open meeting requirements. However, quorum is not, under parliamentary procedure or FOIA, dispositive to determining the identity of the public body that is meeting. The governing document that creates the body determines the identity of the body under parliamentary law and that, in addition to an examination of the actual public business being conducted, will guide answers to questions about the identity of the public body for purposes of FOIA. ]]> Tue, 19 May 2026 12:46:56 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143300 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE STATE EMPLOYEE BENEFITS COMMITTEE.

This Substitute differs from Senate Bill No. 289 by retaining the State Treasurer as a member of the State Employee Benefits Committee (Committee) and making the Secretary of the Department of Human Resources a nonvoting member. Like SB 289, this Act allows the appointed members of the Committee to select designees to attend Committee and subcommittee meetings, as is currently allowed for Committee members serving by virtue of position. This change does not apply to meetings of the Retiree Healthcare Benefits Advisory Subcommittee. The authority that appointed the member must approve the appointed member’s proposed designee and the appointed member must provide that written approval to the Committee chair or subcommittee chair, as applicable. In addition, this Act makes the Controller General a voting member of the Committee. This Act also adds the Chair of the Delaware Health Care Commission to the Committee and designates that individual as the Chair of the Committee. Further, this Act makes the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, who currently chairs the Committee, a regular voting member. This Act clarifies that proposal review committees are subcommittees and clarifies that the membership or attendance of a quorum of Committee members on or at a subcommittee meeting does not constitute a meeting of the Committee. The Act requires that official action by a subcommittee requires a roll call vote.]]> Tue, 19 May 2026 12:46:56 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143129 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 21 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO COMMERCE AND TRADE.

This Act clarifies portions of Chapter 84 of Title 21 of the Delaware Code pertaining to new recreational vehicle, vessel, or new recreational trailer manufacturer-dealer agreements. The Act includes the following provisions: Definitions. The Act amends § 8401 of Title 21 and clarifies the definitions of "new recreational trailer" and "new recreational vehicle" and adds definitions of "all-terrain vehicle," "off-highway vehicle," "side-by-side vehicle," and "vessel." Written agreements. Manufacturers are required to specify in writing to their new recreational vehicle dealers licensed in the state the dealers' obligations for pre-delivery preparation, manufacturer-sponsored maintenance programs, manufacturer extended warranty, certified pre-owned warranty, manufacturer-issued service contracts, parts exchange programs, recall, and warranted service on the dealers' products. In addition, manufacturers must compensate their new recreational vehicle dealers for these services and provide the dealers with a schedule of compensation and the time allowances for the performance of the work and services. Termination, cancellation, nonrenewal, or alteration of a dealership. In the event a new recreational vehicle dealer terminates, cancels, or fails to renew a manufacturer-dealer agreement for good cause, and the manufacturer fails to cure the deficiencies, at the new recreational vehicle dealer's election and within 45 days of the termination, cancellation, or nonrenewal, the manufacturer must, in addition to its existing obligations, compensate the dealer for any transporting, handling, packing, storing, and loading of any returned parts, tools, and equipment. Warranty obligations. With respect to parts reimbursement, reasonable compensation to a new recreational vehicle dealer may not be less than the rate charged by the dealer for like services to nonwarranty customers for nonwarranty parts, service, or actual wholesale cost, plus a minimum 40% handling and the cost of any freight to return the warranty parts to the warrantor. A new recreational vehicle dealer must notify the warrantor within 180 days if it is unable to perform any warranty repairs. In addition, a schedule of compensation for warranty services must include reasonable compensation for diagnostic work, parts, repair service, and labor. Time allowances for the diagnosis and performance of warranty work and services must be reasonable and adequate. With respect to manufacturer-sponsored maintenance programs, manufacturer extended warranty, certified pre-owned warranty, manufacturer-issued service contracts, parts exchange programs, recall and warranty parts, and labor reimbursement, reasonable compensation may not be less than the rate charged by the dealer for like service to non-warranty customers for nonwarranty parts, services, and repairs. If a manufacturer furnishes a part of a component to a dealer at no or a reduced cost, the manufacturer must compensate the dealer in the same manner as warranty parts compensation, less the dealer cost for the part or component as listed in the manufacturer's price schedule. Association standing. An association that has at least 4 recreational vehicle dealers as members, substantially all of whom are new recreational vehicle dealers within the State, and that represents the collective interests of its members, has standing to file a petition or civil action against a manufacturer regulated under this chapter for itself or on behalf of any or all of its members. Such an association also has standing to intervene in an action against a manufacturer regulated under this chapter previously filed by an individual member or members of the association to enforce the provisions of this chapter. This Act also makes technical corrections to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual.]]> Tue, 19 May 2026 12:46:56 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142912 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 16 AND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO SUBSTANCE USE HARM REDUCTION.

This Act does all of the following: (1) Establishes a regulatory framework for substance use harm reduction programs that provides immunities for program providers and staff. (2) Modifies the definition of drug paraphernalia. (3) Decriminalizes possession of paraphernalia for individuals who use drugs, while retaining prohibitions for paraphernalia used in the manufacturing or distribution of drugs and the selling of certain drug paraphernalia. This Act also makes technical corrections to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual.]]> Tue, 19 May 2026 12:46:56 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143131 Delaware - Committee DIRECTING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO CONDUCT A STUDY AND REPORT ON WORKFORCE DATA RELATING TO PUBLIC EDUCATION SUPPORT PROFESSIONALS.

This Joint Resolution directs the Department of Education to compile and submit a comprehensive report regarding the workforce data and compensation of education support professionals for the most recent school year. The report must identify staffing levels, vacancies, average wages paid, and the number of employees earning below a $40 hourly wage threshold. The Department is further required to recommend pay scales that align with a minimum living wage and submit its findings to the General Assembly and relevant state offices by November 2, 2026.]]> Tue, 19 May 2026 12:46:56 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143336 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 26 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION.

This bill builds on the customer protections created in Senate Bill 60 in 2025, as follows: 1. Increases transparency in rates and communications by public utilities. 2. Requires regular management audits of certain public utilities and regulatory accounting reviews with each rate case proceeding. 3. Provides greater consistency in the data used by public utilities in rate case proceedings. 4. Limits how much utilities can collect in interim rates before the Commission has ruled on a rate increase request. 5. Prohibits public utilities from recovering certain expenses from ratepayers. 6. Requires the Commission to provide rationale for its decisions in accepting settlement agreements. 7. Puts limits on Delmarva Power’s infrastructure spending, which is a major driver of rate increases. Delmarva Power is operating its electric distribution system at a level far in excess of reliability standards set by the Commission. In support of its parent company’s strategic goal to increase earnings by increasing rate base, Delmarva Power’s annual capital spending leads to frequent rate increase requests to the Commission. Part of Delmarva Power’s capital spending includes “non-mandatory projects,” which by definition are projects that are not required to maintain system reliability. This bill limits the amount of non-mandatory capital expenses the company may recover from ratepayers in rates and is indexed to the company’s rate base, i.e. the value of all its capital assets. Limiting non-mandatory cost recovery will in no way impact Delmarva Power’s ability to restore service after storms nor impact its vegetation management (tree trimming) program.]]> Mon, 18 May 2026 19:22:53 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143335 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 16 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO FIRE PREVENTION.

This Act defines terms used in Chapter 66, Title 16 of the Delaware Code for clarity. It also provides the State Fire Prevention Commission with the authority to receive and review criminal history records of applicants and members to determine whether the applicant or member is prohibited from serving as a member of a fire company. An applicant or member is not qualified to serve as a member if the individual’s criminal history record includes a crime listed in this Act, including felonies, specified financial or property crimes, sex crimes, specified crimes against a victim who is acting in the lawful performance of the victim’s duty, or crimes involving controlled substances or designer drugs. This Act updates the criminal history record language in Chapter 66, Title 16 to ensure Delaware law meets the requirements of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in requesting federal criminal history records. This Act also makes technical corrections to make existing law conform to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual.]]> Mon, 18 May 2026 19:22:40 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143331 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 11 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO DEADLY WEAPONS.

Senate Bill No. 188, enacted during this General Assembly, clarified that the law-enforcement agency practice of purchasing firearms for that agency’s law-enforcement officers for use by the officers in their official duties is exempted from the background check requirements under §§ 1448A, 1448B, and 1448D of Title 11 under our State’s permit to purchase firearms laws. This Act provides the same exemption from background check requirements for a qualified constable agency representative. A qualified constable agency representative means a constable working for an employer, as defined under § 5602 of Title 24, that has authorized the procurement of handguns by the constable on behalf of any constables working for that employer. For purposes of this Act, “constable” means an individual who satisfies all of the following: (1) Commissioned under Chapter 56 of Title 24. (2) Licensed to carry a firearm by the Professional Licensing Section of the Delaware State Police. (3) Authorized by the Constable Board of Examiners to carry a firearm in the performance of the constable’s official duties. This Act also makes void a permit to purchase and gives the Director of the State Bureau of Identification (SBI) permission to revoke a permit to purchase if the person is no longer a qualified constable agency representative.]]> Mon, 18 May 2026 19:22:27 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143327 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO STATE GOVERNMENT AND THE DIVISION OF PROFESSIONAL REGULATION.

This act requires the Division of Professional Regulation to employ at least one licensed journeyperson electrician to carry out investigations as a member of the Investigative Unit of the Division.]]> Mon, 18 May 2026 19:22:14 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143111 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE OFFICE OF GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION AND COMMUNITY SAFETY.

This Act codifies Executive Order No. 9 issued on May 1, 2025, by Governor Matthew Meyer regarding the establishment, within the Department of Safety and Homeland Security, of the Office of Gun Violence Prevention and Community Safety. ]]> Thu, 14 May 2026 18:28:37 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143045 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 21 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO VEHICLE SECURITY CIRCUMVENTION DEVICES.

This Act makes it a crime to knowingly manufacture, sell, offer to sell, transfer, or possess a vehicle security circumvention device, or to aid or permit another to use a vehicle security circumvention device. This Act also requires individuals to report a lost or stolen vehicle security circumvention device to a law enforcement agency within 48 hours of becoming aware of the loss or theft. This Act does not include a special penalty as the Chapter already provides a penalty for misdemeanors, which includes a fine not less than $28.75 nor more than $115, or imprisonment not less than 30 days nor more than 90 days, or both. Additionally, for each subsequent offense the person shall be fined not less than $115 nor more than $230, or imprisoned not less than 90 days nor more than 6 months, or both. This Act requires a greater than majority vote for passage because § 28 of Article IV of the Delaware Constitution requires the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members elected to each house of the General Assembly to create a new crime within the jurisdiction of the Court of Common Pleas, Family Court, or Justice of the Peace Court. ]]> Thu, 14 May 2026 18:28:22 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142760 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 14 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION OF PUPILS.

This Act amends Title 14 to provide the Department of Education the authority to adopt rules and regulations regarding the transportation of public school students.]]> Thu, 14 May 2026 18:28:02 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143316 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 16 AND TITLE 24 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO PHARMACY AND PHARMACISTS.

This Act modernizes Delaware’s pharmacy practice laws by authorizing pharmacists to practice to the full extent of their education and training. Pharmacists have the expertise necessary to provide patient care beyond what current Delaware law allows, and enabling them to do so is an important step toward expanding access to health care in this State. Under this Act, pharmacists are permitted to independently evaluate patients, identify health conditions, order and prescribe laboratory tests, and prescribe drugs or devices without reliance on statewide protocols, formularies, or specified lists of conditions. Pharmacists may not prescribe controlled substances, with the exception of medications for the treatment of opioid use disorder, which pharmacists may only prescribe under a standing order from the Division of Public Health. In order to enable pharmacists to prescribe medications for the treatment of opioid use disorder under a standing order, this Act also amends the Uniform Controlled Susbstances Act in Chapter 47 of Title 16 to include “pharmacist” in the definition of “practitioner.” To ensure continuity of care, this Act also establishes requirements for documentation of treatment and communication with primary care providers. This Act takes effect immediately, but implementation is delayed by up to 1 year to give the Board of Pharmacy time to implement necessary regulations. This Act does not affect current law regarding the use of statewide protocols, standing orders, or collaborative practice agreements. This Act also makes technical corrections to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual.]]> Thu, 14 May 2026 18:24:56 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143318 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 11 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO POSTCONVICTION REMEDY.

This Act provides a remedy for convicted persons relating to changes in forensic scientific or technical information. Specifically, a convicted person may apply to the Superior Court for relief if certain forensic scientific information was not available to be offered by the convicted person prior to the conviction or if it undermines forensic scientific evidence that was presented at trial. The court must grant relief if (1) the convicted person files an application asserting that the relevant forensic evidence is currently available and was not ascertainable through the exercise of reasonable diligence by the convicted person before or during trial or before the date of entry of a plea, (2) the application is accompanied by an affidavit from a forensic expert that satisfies certain requirements, and (3) the court determines that, had the evidence been presented at a trial, there is a reasonable likelihood that the result at trial would have been different or that the convicted person would not have been convicted. Once a petition for relief is filed, the Superior Court shall set a hearing on the petition, not later than 180 days after the petition was filed, and notify the petitioner and the Department of Justice. The Department of Justice may file a response to the petition within 90 days after its filing. After the hearing, if the court determines that the petitioner has failed to make a prima facie showing that the petitioner is entitled to relief, the court will dismiss the petition in a written opinion. However, if the court determines that the petitioner has made a prima facie showing that the petitioner is entitled to relief, the court may grant the petitioner discovery on matters relating to the forensic evidence used to obtain the conviction or sentence at issue and hold another hearing to determine whether there is a reasonable likelihood that, had the new evidence been presented at a trial, the convicted person would not have been convicted. If so, the court shall grant such relief as the court deems appropriate, which may include vacating the petitioner's conviction. For purposes of the Act, "convicted person" means a person who has received a verdict of guilty by the trier of fact, entered a plea of guilty or a plea of nolo contendere that was accepted by the court, or received a verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity. Like Senate Substitute No. 1 for Senate Bill No. 58, Senate Substitute No. 3 differs from Senate Bill No. 58 in that (i) it clarifies that relevant forensic scientific evidence that may provide a basis for relief is not limited to evidence presented at trial, but rather includes evidence that was presented before trial, at trial, or before the date of entry of a plea; and (ii) it clarifies that the court must grant relief if the relevant criteria are satisfied. Like Senate Substitute No. 2 for Senate Bill No. 58, Senate Substitute No. 3 differs from Senate Bill No. 58 in the following ways: • It replaces "application" with "petition," in order to maintain consistency in how a petition seeking relief under § 4505 of Title 11 is described. • It gives the court discretion to take certain actions if it finds that a petitioner has made a prima facie showing of the requirements for relief under § 4505 of Title 11. Under Senate Bill No. 58, the court would have been required to take certain actions. • It provides that if a petitioner has established entitlement to relief under § 4505 of Title 11, the court shall grant such relief as it deems appropriate, which may include vacating the petitioner's conviction. Under Senate Bill No. 58, the court would have been required to vacate the petitioner's conviction and grant the petitioner's motion for a new trial. In addition, Senate Substitute No. 3 differs from Senate Bill No. 58 in that it requires the application to be accompanied by an affidavit from a forensic expert and that it permits the Superior Court to hear a claim for relief later than 180 days after the petition if there is good cause for an extension.]]> Thu, 14 May 2026 18:24:19 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143250 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLES 7 AND 30 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE DELAWARE HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES CLEANUP ACT AND THE REALTY TRANSFER TAX.

This Act clarifies the ability of the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) to respond to emergent situations, expands the jurisdiction from which DNREC may file to recover costs, and makes certain changes to amounts deposited into the Hazardous Substance Cleanup Act Fund. Section 1 provides definitions for “Abate,” “Emergency,” and “Removal Action.” Section 2 clarifies the ability of the Secretary or the Secretary’s authorized employees or agents to determine if an emergency exists and take immediate action to abate the emergency without obtaining public comment. Section 3 allows the Department to authorize removal actions to address releases without first obtaining public comment, and to incorporate the removal action into any proposed plan of remedial action by DNREC. Section 4 expands the jurisdiction of the courts in which DNREC may bring enforcement actions and recover costs. Section 5 increases the civil penalty for each fraudulent act from up to $10,000 to $40,000. The Act also establishes a $10,000,000 annual funding baseline for the Brownfields Grant Program by allocating $8,000,000 annually from the State share of the Realty Transfer Tax, set forth in Section 6 and 8. Section 7 extends the end date from January 1, 2029, to January 1, 2037, for monies to be deposited into the Hazardous Substance Cleanup Act Fund (the “Fund”) and updates the tax rate formula for the tax rate calculation. Section 9 provides the effective date of this legislation. ]]> Thu, 14 May 2026 17:01:38 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143188 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 15 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO ELECTION CAMPAIGNS AND PUBLIC DISCLOSURES.

This Act expands Delaware’s campaign finance disclosure requirements to provide more transparency regarding the source of funding for contributions to and expenditures made from political committees in the State. To that end this Act does the following: 1. Requires out-of-state committees that contribute more than $2,000 to a Delaware election (exempting contributions to candidates and political parties) to register with the State Election Commissioner (Commissioner). 2. Requires political committees to list any affiliated controlling entities on its statement of registration. 3. Increases the disclosure requirements to be placed on third-party advertisements by requiring the advertisement to display, if applicable, the name of a majority owner of the third-party advertiser, the responsible party, affiliated controlling entities, and the 5 persons who made the 5 largest aggregate transfers to the entity in the last 12 months. 4. Requires third-party advertisers to display a link to a website that lists all contributions to the third-party advertisement in excess of $100. Any contribution that is greater than $100 that is not from an individual must also include information on the contribution’s underlying funding source. 4. Prohibits all reports filed with the Commissioner from containing a negative balance so that the source of all funds are disclosed, including any loans. Substitute 1 to HB 216 makes the following changes: 1. Prohibits a foreign national or foreign-controlled entity from making a contribution, expenditure, independent expenditure, or electioneering communication in connection with any state or local election in the State. 2. Requires that all campaign finance reports disclose specific information about advertisements, including the name of the vendor or platform used, the medium used, a description of the advertisement, and the target audience. 3. Replaces the current link to the Election Commissioner’s website on third-party advertisements with a website to be “determined” by the Election Commissioner. 4. Requires that third-party party advertisements display the state of residence, incorporation, or registration of all persons disclosed on the advertisement itself and on the linked website containing additional disclosures. 5. Updates definitions to include modern modes of communication. 6. Changes the implementation date to July 1, 2028. 7. Makes technical changes to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual. ]]> Thu, 14 May 2026 17:00:44 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143314 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 4 THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE TIME OF SALES FOR ON-PREMISES CONSUMPTION.

This Act allows Delaware horse racetracks to sell alcohol for on-premise consumption until 2:00 a.m. This Act also removes the power of municipalities to require closing time to be at an earlier time for horse racetracks that sell alcoholic liquor.]]> Thu, 14 May 2026 12:51:52 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143313 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 16 RELATING TO AUTISM SURVEILLANCE AND REGISTRATION.

In 2004, the 142nd General Assembly passed House Bill No. 500 as amended by House Amendment No. 1, creating an Autism registration and surveillance program. Physicians, surgeons, dentists, podiatrists, or other healthcare practitioners are required to report occurrences using the established procedure or incur a fee of $100 for each violation of failure to report. The Department of Health & Social Services (DHSS) has received questions from providers about Delaware’s required Autism Surveillance and Registration Program and concerns about privacy, ethics, and the absence of parental consent to store this information. The Autism Surveillance and Registration Program was implemented in a passive approach, and the data collected is not used for analysis or review. The Division of Public Health’s current strategy around Autism is to promote awareness and encourage appropriate screenings. This Act repeals the Autism Surveillance and Registration Program and requires that protected health information collected at an individual level to be expunged under statutory confidentiality requirements. ]]> Thu, 14 May 2026 12:51:52 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143312 Delaware - Committee REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR EVALUATE THE FEASIBILITY OF APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS FOR SCHOOL-BASED MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS.

This House Concurrent Resolution requests the Department of Labor to evaluate the feasibility of apprenticeship programs for school-based mental health professionals and submit a report to certain members of the General Assembly, the Office of Management and Budget, and the Controller General by November 1, 2026.]]> Thu, 14 May 2026 12:51:52 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143309 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 14 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL DISCIPLINE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM.

This Act is a substitute for HB 379 which includes revisions to the school and district level component section of Chapter 16 to align the code with current State and National guidelines for education. This Act reduces the emphasis on discipline and focuses instead on guidelines to promote a positive learning environment that assists students at risk for or experiencing academic or behavior problems. This Act repeals § 1605A of Title 14 as § 1605 of Title 14 now addresses its contents. This Act also makes technical corrections to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual. ]]> Thu, 14 May 2026 12:51:52 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143305 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 16 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO ENHANCED INFORMED CONSENT FOR INFANT VACCINATIONS AND DOCUMENTATION IN SUDDEN UNEXPECTED INFANT DEATH INVESTIGATIONS.

This Act requires enhanced informed consent before administering vaccines to infants under 12 months of age. Providers must discuss possible side effects, the overlap between the 2–4-month vaccination, and how to report events to VAERS or file VICP claims. A signed acknowledgment form (developed by DHSS) is required. The Act also mandates that vaccination history be documented in every SUID/SIDS investigation to support accurate cause-of-death determinations. These measures directly respond to families’ requests for greater transparency following the loss of healthy infants shortly after routine vaccinations, while preserving access to recommended immunizations.]]> Thu, 14 May 2026 12:51:48 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143284 Delaware - Committee ACT TO AMEND TITLE 18 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO UNFAIR PRACTICES IN THE INSURANCE BUSINESS.

This legislation is intended to ensure that individuals can, for a period of 15 days, rescind approval of a settlement in a personal injury case involving a motor vehicle accident if the individual was unrepresented at the time of settlement and if payment is returned upon rescission. This Act also requires notice to be given to an unrepresented individual of their right of recission in the release of liability. These changes will allow an individual greater ability to make an informed decision. This Act becomes effective on 6 months after its enactment into law. This Act is a substitute for Senate Bill No. 189. The Act differs from Senate Bill No. 189 in that it provides a rescission period of 15 days, rather than 60 days; it refers to “motor vehicle accidents” rather than “automobile accidents”; it adds a new subsection to make clear that the insurer may withhold any future settlement proceeds until it receives confirmation that the check or settlement proceeds have been returned; and it corrects a typo.]]> Thu, 14 May 2026 12:51:48 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143060 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLES 18, 29, AND 31 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO HEALTH INSURANCE.

This Act requires that individual, group, State employee, and public assistance insurance plans provide coverage for biomarker testing, when the test is supported by medical and scientific evidence. The Act applies to all such policies, contracts, or certificates issued, renewed, modified, altered, amended, or reissued after December 31, 2027. This Act is a substitute for and differs from Senate Bill No. 120 in that this Act clarifies that it does not prevent a provision restricting coverage to services by a licensed, certified, or carrier-approved provider or facility, restrict the use of utilization management, or require coverage of biomarker testing for screening purposes or coverage of investigatory and experimental biomarker tests. In addition, the Act differs from Senate Bill No. 120 in that it applies to policies, contracts, or certificates issued, renewed, modified, altered, amended, or reissued after December 31, 2027, rather than December 31, 2026. ]]> Wed, 13 May 2026 16:34:53 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143189 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 31 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO CHILD CARE ASSISTANCE FOR FULL-TIME POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION.

This Act makes full-time students attending post-secondary education for an associate or baccalaureate degree eligible for child care assistance. This Act also adds the name of this State's child care assistance program, "Purchase of Care" or "POC" to Chapter 5 of Title 31 and makes technical corrections to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual. This Act is effective immediately because under § 10113 of Title 29, amendments that make existing regulations consistent with changes in basic law are exempt from the procedural requirements under the Administrative Procedures Act.]]> Wed, 13 May 2026 16:31:49 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143099 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 14 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO SCHOOL-BASED OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS.

This Act clarifies the pay schedule for school-based occupational therapists. Due to varying program lengths, such as accelerated programs, and the different methods of how colleges and universities award credits, it is challenging to accurately and equitably determine the appropriate lane on the salary schedule for school-based occupational therapists. This Act creates a uniform baseline for school-based occupational therapists on the salary schedule in a manner similar to other school-based clinicians such as audiologists and speech-language pathologists.]]> Wed, 13 May 2026 12:28:54 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143033 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 16 AND TITLE 21 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO DELAWARE MEDICAL ORDERS FOR SCOPE OF TREATMENT.

Enacted in 2015, Chapter 25A of Title 16, the Delaware Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment Act created a voluntary process and a document that can used by patients with serious illness or frailty to provide direction to emergency care personnel regarding the patient's preferences in regard to scope of care and treatment. This Act changes the name "Delaware Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment (DMOST)" under Chapter 25A of Title 16 to "Delaware Portable Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST)" to align with the national effort to create a uniform form. This Act contains a savings provision so that the name change under this Act does not affect the validity or effect of DMOST forms. This Act also revises Chapter 25A of Title 16 as follows: • Repeals requirements that conflict with the national model law regarding a patient’s ability to limit the future authority of the patient’s authorized representative to modify the orders in the patient’s POLST form. • Allows any health-care practitioner authorized under Chapter 25A of Title 16 to complete a POLST form to find that a patient lacks sufficient decision-making capacity to execute a POLST form. Under existing law, all practitioners who are licensed and authorized to write medical orders under Title 24 may complete POLST forms but only physicians can determine that a patient lacks sufficient decision-making capacity to execute a POLST form. This change is consistent with the capacity provisions under Chapter 25 of Title 16, the recently enacted Uniform Health-Care Decisions Act. • Requires that a health-care practitioner document their finding that a patient lacks decision-making capacity in the patient’s medical record. • Clarifies the existing requirement that a patient’s authorized representative may not execute a POLST form for a patient unless the patient’s lack of decision-making capacity is documented in the patient’s medical record. Makes technical corrections to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual, including corresponding name changes to other Code sections that reference the DMOST form. In § 2718(c)(5) of Title 21, the name for an advance health-care directive under Chapter 25 of Title 16 is also corrected.]]> Wed, 13 May 2026 12:28:54 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142274 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 4 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO ALCOHOLIC LIQUORS.

This bill allows auction houses that are licensed by the Delaware Office of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commissioner to auction spirits, so long as the spirits being auctioned are not made available for sale in any licensed facility or store. ]]> Wed, 13 May 2026 12:28:54 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143187 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 7 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECT FUND.

This Act revises the reporting requirements for the Community Environmental Project Fund for the purpose of easing the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Controls’ (DNREC) administrative burden. The fund was created by the General Assembly in 2004. This fund is capitalized with civil and administrative penalty payments received by DNREC. The collected funds are then disbursed to organizations serving communities affected by environmental violations. Projects provided by these organizations include eliminating, minimizing, or abating pollution, improving environmental conditions that impact human health, enhancing natural resources to improve habitats, and expanding recreational opportunities. ]]> Tue, 12 May 2026 18:22:14 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143054 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO ELECTRIC VEHICLES.

This Act updates the electric vehicle rebate program administered by the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control in light of changes to federal policies and market forces affecting electric vehicle deployment. The bill provides the Department with additional flexibility to set rebate amounts and improve programmatic offerings. The bill also allows enhanced rebates for an eventual program targeting lower income families.]]> Tue, 12 May 2026 18:21:51 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143018 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE STATE LOTTERY.

This bill protects small businesses in Delaware by preserving lottery retailers’ role in iLottery. This bill requires iLottery players to purchase prepaid cards at physical stores to enable their online play. In 2012, the General Assembly adopted the Delaware Gaming Competitiveness Act of 2012, HB 333 of the 146th General Assembly, establishing iLottery in Delaware. To support small businesses, the General Assembly included a provision of that law that required online players to purchase prepaid cards in physical retail stores. However, over a decade later, the Delaware Lottery Commissioner launched an iLottery program that does not uphold this protective provision. This bill updates the iLottery program to reflect the original intent of the law. This Act also makes technical changes to conform to the Legislative Drafting Manual.]]> Tue, 12 May 2026 17:42:10 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143274 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 30 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO RESTAURANT RETAILER LICENSE REQUIREMENTS AND LICENSE FEES.

This Act raises the monthly deduction on taxable gross receipts allowed by restaurants from $100,000 to $250,000. Accordingly, the quarterly deduction allowed for restaurants with gross receipts of no more than 1.5 million in the previous year is increased from $300,000 to $750,000.]]> Tue, 12 May 2026 12:34:17 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143273 Delaware - Committee AN TO AMEND TITLE 30 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE REALTY TRANSFER TAX.

This Act decreases the realty transfer tax by ¼ of a percent.]]> Tue, 12 May 2026 12:34:17 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143270 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLES 16 AND 24 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO VETERINARIANS AND MANDATORY REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.

This Act requires that all veterinarians report any suspected abuse or neglect of an animal to the Office of Animal Welfare or the appropriate reporting authority. Veterinarians must complete mandatory reporting training biennially and attest that they have completed such training in any application for licensure or licensure renewal. The Board of Veterinary Medicine may impose disciplinary sanctions for violations of this Act.]]> Tue, 12 May 2026 12:34:17 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143264 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 11 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO POSSESSING A DESTRUCTIVE WEAPON.

This Act clarifies that the grant of exclusive jurisdiction to the Superior Court over violations of 11 Del C. § 1444 (possessing a destructive weapon), applies only to an adult defendant. Jurisdiction over minors remains with the Family Court.]]> Tue, 12 May 2026 12:34:14 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143262 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 11 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE, WITNESSES AND EVIDENCE.

This bill modernizes the Rape Shield provisions in Title 11 of the Delaware Code, § 3509 and provides that in any prosecution for any degree of rape, unlawful sexual intercourse, unlawful sexual penetration or unlawful sexual contact, any evidence that the complaining witness made a false accusation of unlawful sexual conduct against any person on another occasion is inadmissible unless it complies with the procedure set forth in § 3508 of Title 11, is relevant and is material to a fact in issue in the case, and the inflammatory or prejudicial nature of the evidence does not outweigh the probative value of the evidence. Under Title 11, § 3508, if evidence of the sexual conduct of the complaining witness is offered to attack the credibility of the complaining witness the following procedure shall be followed: (1) The defendant shall make a written motion to the court and prosecutor stating that the defense has an offer of proof concerning the relevancy of evidence of the sexual conduct of the complaining witness which the defendant proposes to present, and the relevancy of such evidence in attacking the credibility of the complaining witness. (2) The written motion shall be accompanied by an affidavit in which the offer of proof shall be stated. (3) If the court finds that the offer of proof is sufficient, the court shall order a hearing out of the presence of the jury, if any, and at such hearing allow the questioning of the complaining witness regarding the offer of proof made by the defendant. (4) At the conclusion of the hearing, if the court finds that evidence proposed to be offered by the defendant regarding the sexual conduct of the complaining witness is relevant, and is not inadmissible, the court may issue an order stating what evidence may be introduced by the defendant, and the nature of the questions to be permitted. The defendant may then offer evidence pursuant to the order of the court.]]> Mon, 11 May 2026 17:13:55 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143259 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 9, TITLE 22, AND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO DATA CENTERS.

This Act prohibits state agencies, counties, and municipalities from entering into nondisclosure agreements that would restrict the public from accessing information about potential or actual large-scale data center development in this State. Large-scale data centers, defined in this Act as data centers that use or are capable of using 100 megawatts of power or more, can pose significant challenges for the communities in which they are located. When nondisclosure agreements are used to shield information about proposed or planned data centers from the public, it deprives those communities of the opportunity to understand and respond to issues that directly affect them. ]]> Mon, 11 May 2026 17:13:42 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143197 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 26 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO PROTECTIONS FOR PUBLIC UTILITY CONSUMERS.

This Act provides that an individual electric supplier agent cannot be fined or imprisoned for violations under Section 218 of Chapter I of Title 26. This Act provides that the Commission must develop a training and educational program for any entity or individual that is certified by the Commission as an electric supplier that demonstrates a thorough understanding of the Commission’s regulations regarding (1) sales; (2) consumer protection; and (3) any other matter the Commission deems appropriate. This Act requires that third-party electric supplier report data concerning customer choices in its service territory and third-party electric supplier rates. They must submit a monthly report to the Commission on customer choice in their service territories for the preceding month, including all of the following: (1) the total kilowatt hours distributed to customers purchasing electricity from a third-party electric supplier; (2) the total supply cost charged to customers purchasing electric from a third–party electric supplier; (3) the total cost that customers who chose third-party suppliers would have paid under standard offer service; (4) the net third–party total cost compared to the standard offer service; (5) the total third–party average rate; (6) the standard offer service average rate; (7) the difference between the total third–party average rate and the standard offer service average rate; (8) the third–party average residential rates broken out by supplier and the variance between each of these rates and the standard offer service average rate; (9) the third–party average general service nondemand rates broken out by supplier and the variance between each of these third–party rates and the standard offer service average rate; (10) the third–party average general service demand rates broken out by supplier and the variance between each of these third–party rates and the standard offer service average rate; (11) the third–party average large power demand rates broken out by supplier and the variance between each of these third–party rates and the standard offer service average rate; and (12) other pertinent information the Commission considers appropriate. This Act requires a third-party electric supplier to provide residential customers or small commercial customers with written notice of the pending renewal of a contract 90 and 30 days before the end of the contract term is scheduled to occur and provides regulations regarding electric supplier rates. It requires a third-party electric supplier to provide written confirmation within 15 business days of enrollment and written notification at least 15 days in advance of any changes to the customer’s rate. This Act requires a greater than majority vote for passage because § 28 of Article IV of the Delaware Constitution requires the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members elected to each house of the General Assembly to give jurisdiction to inferior courts or justices of the peace of “such … misdemeanors as the General Assembly may from time to time … prescribe.” ]]> Thu, 07 May 2026 18:19:29 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143087 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 13, TITLE 16, AND TITLE 21 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO GOVERNMENT RECORDS.

This Act updates and modernizes Delaware law regarding birth certificates, death certificates, driver’s licenses, identification cards, and marriage license applications, licenses, and certificates (government documents) as follows: • Establishes uniform gender designations. • Provides uniform requirements when an individual seeks to change their gender designation. • Protects the privacy of records related to a change of an individual’s gender designation. • Revises existing law regarding marriage licenses and certificates to reflect current practices and to clarify current procedures. Under existing law, people can change their gender designation on these government documents. However, only the Office of Vital Statistics (OVS) can amend marriage certificates and the requirements to change gender on these government documents are only in regulations. These existing regulations require certification from a medical or social service provider certifying the individual’s true gender identity and do not explicitly keep the original documents and information submitted in support of the change confidential. Specifically, this Act does all of the following in Sections 1 through Section 6 of this Act: • Establishes, for these government documents, that “sex” or “gender” may be designated by “F” for female, “M” for male, or “X” for unspecified. Unspecified designates a gender identity that is not female or male. • Allows an individual to change their gender designation without a court order or certification from a medical or other service provider. • Allows a parent to amend the parent’s gender designation and name on their child’s birth certificate. • Creates procedures so that people can amend marriage certificates through either OVS or the county clerk of the peace that issued the marriage license. These procedures require that OVS and the clerk of the peace share the amended certificate with the other office, using the existing electronic records system. • None of the documents or records under this Act are public records. This Act adds strengthened protections that prohibits the release of a request to change gender, and previous versions of the amended government document, unless the following specific requirements are met: For birth certificates and marriage certificates, information related to the change of gender and the previous birth certificate may only be released if the request meets the requirements for the release of records of healthcare services under § 3928 of Title 10 and § 611 of Title 29. Section 3928 of Title 10 prohibits a court from ordering the release of records related to healthcare services requested by another state related to a criminal violation of a law if the healthcare services are legal in Delaware. In addition, § 611 of Title 29 prohibits a state or local government agency from releasing information in response to inquiries concerning the lawfulness of healthcare services that is related to healthcare services that are lawful in this State. For driver’s licenses and identification cards, information related to the change of gender, including previous photos and names on these documents, may only be released if the request is for a permissible use of personal information. In addition, if the request is from another state, there must be a demonstrated legitimate public safety need for the information that would be necessary to obtain a valid court order in Delaware. Before releasing gender change information to a person in another state, the individual making the request must provide a signed affidavit acknowledging their responsibility to protect this information and agreement that the information will only be used for the legitimate public safety need that is the basis for the request. In addition, Sections 7 through Section 12 of this Act makes technical corrections to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual and updates existing law to conform to modern procedures as follows: • Revises Chapter 1 of Title 13 and Chapter 31 of Title 16 to eliminate duplicative and conflicting provisions. • Transfers the requirements for the information required in a marriage license application from Title 13 to Title 16, because under existing law in Title 16, OVS is responsible for creating all forms related to marriage. • Creates separate terms for marriage license applications, marriage licenses, marriage certificates, and the background information provided at the time of the application for a marriage license. It clarifies that a marriage license becomes a marriage certificate when the officiant and both witnesses sign the form after the marriage is performed. These changes are necessary because existing law uses the term “marriage license” when referring to both the license required to get married and the certificate documenting that the marriage was performed. • Clarifies that only individuals with authority under Title 12 may obtain a certified copy of death certificate from OVS. • Align the existing privacy protections under § 305 of Title 21 with the strengthened protection in Section 6 of this Act. This Act is effective immediately but has a delayed implementation date for all of the following: • The Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) and the Department of Transportation (DelDOT) to adopt the necessary regulations and forms. • DelDOT, DHSS, and the clerks of the peace to make necessary changes to computer systems.]]> Thu, 07 May 2026 18:18:40 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143215 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLES 3 AND 16 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO HEMP.

This Act adds clarity to distinguishing between legal hemp and hemp-derived cannabinoid products (HDCPs) and marijuana and controlled substances and provides clearer guidelines on acceptable tests for determining the difference to eliminate uncertainty for businesses, consumers, and law enforcement.]]> Thu, 07 May 2026 18:13:20 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143178 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 16 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO GRANTS FOR NURSE PRECEPTORS.

While the exact number of nurse vacancies in Delaware fluctuates, healthcare providers agree that the current shortage is unsustainable. Nursing shortages lead to missed nursing care, higher morbidity, and mortality rates. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) outlines a number of contributing factors impacting the current national nursing shortage. One is a lack of nursing school faculty - including the preceptors that provide supervision and instruction for clinical practice. Since Delaware’s nursing education programs must require clinical learning experiences provided by these preceptors, nursing students have difficulty completing the required coursework necessary for degree and licensure. Section 1 of this Act provides for an annual appropriation in an amount determined by the General Assembly to the Delaware Nursing Workforce Initiative or similar nonprofit to administer a program to provide funding to hospitals and clinical facilities to implement or continue offering preceptorship programs. Section 2 provides that this Act is effective 6 months after enactment.]]> Thu, 07 May 2026 17:34:59 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143056 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 30 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO A DELAWARE ENTERTAINMENT PRODUCTION TAX CREDIT.

This Act creates a film production tax credit. It requires companies to obtain, at their own expense, an independent audit certifying eligible expenditures. The audit must be submitted to the Division of Small Business for approval and allocation of credits. The credit is nonrefundable, transferable, and may be carried forward for up to 5 years. The credit may be applied against personal income tax, corporate income tax, bank franchise tax, and insurance premiums tax. All credit transfers must be approved by the Division of Small Business. This Act further authorizes necessary data sharing among agencies. Applicants and transferees consent to disclosure of credit amounts by virtue of applying or receiving a transfer. This Act also grants regulatory authority to the Division of Small Business and the Secretary of State to administer the annual credit cap; prioritize and manage awards; and issue reports relating to awards and utilization with input from relevant state agencies. The Division of Small Business may create alternative audit procedures for small businesses where a full audit would be prohibitively expensive. This Act sunsets on June 30, 2031, and no applications may be submitted after that date. ]]> Thu, 07 May 2026 17:33:24 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143249 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 4 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO OPIOID ANTAGONISTS AND THE SALE OF ALCOHOL.

This Act requires taprooms and taverns to keep at least 2 working opioid antagonists on the premises at all times. It also requires employees who sell alcohol to receive training in the use of opioid antagonists in an emergency as part of State-mandated training. This Act also confirms that an employee of a taproom or tavern who administers an opioid antagonist to a patron is exempt from civil liability if acting in good faith and not wilfully, wantonly, recklessly, or with gross negligence. This Act also makes technical corrections to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual. ]]> Thu, 07 May 2026 12:40:33 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143237 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 14 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND EXTENDED REALITY IN SCHOOLS PILOT PROGRAM.

An increasing number of schools and workplaces are investing in implementing artificial intelligence (AI) technology and extended reality (XR) technology, including virtual reality and augmented reality, to effectively teach children and train employees. In schools, AI and XR technologies help provide immersive and personalized learning experiences that enhance student engagement, proficiency, and mastery in core subjects. Recent studies and surveys show that using AI and XR technologies in schools leads to better student outcomes, including improved academic performance, higher test scores, and increased motivation. And AI technology, like Khanmigo, supports educators by reducing administrative burdens and allowing educators to focus on student needs. This helps prevent burnout and reduce turnover rates. Therefore, investing in implementing these technologies in Delaware public schools will support Delaware’s educational priorities, including increasing literacy, STEM proficiency, and career readiness. This Act establishes a 3-year pilot program, called the Artificial Intelligence and Extended Reality in Schools Pilot Program (Program), to invest in using AI and XR technologies to improve education in Delaware schools. The Program is administered by the Delaware Department of Education (DOE). The DOE shall provide funding and offer technical support for participating schools to procure and safely implement AI and XR products that improve student outcomes and engagement, support educators in meeting student needs, and reduce workloads and administrative burdens on educators. Within 180 days following the date of this Act’s enactment into law, the DOE must do all of the following: 1. Select 12 schools to participate in the program. The 12 schools selected must include 1 elementary school from each of the counties and from the City of Wilmington, 1 middle school from each of the counties and from the City of Wilmington, and 1 high school from each of the counties and from the City of Wilmington. 2. Form a committee to study best practices in other states and countries for using AI and XR technologies in schools and review and recommend AI and XR products that best meet the needs of Delaware students and educators. The products recommended must safeguard data and follow state and federal guidelines for privacy and security. 3. In collaboration with the Department of Technology & Information and the Delaware Department of Justice, finalize contracts to procure the recommended AI and XR products. Additionally, the DOE may consult with technology privacy and safety experts to make sure that the contracts meet privacy and safety requirements. Schools participating in the Program shall provide data that DOE considers necessary to help assess the Program’s effectiveness. The data may include certain quantitative, qualitative, and personalized metrics. The DOE shall prepare a final report that includes the data provided by the schools, the DOE’s analysis of the data, the DOE’s recommendations for improving the Program, and the DOE’s recommendation on whether the Program should be expanded or adjusted. No later than the sunset date of this Act, the DOE shall submit the final report to the Governor, the General Assembly, and the Director and Librarian of the Division of Legislative Services. This Act expires 3 years after the Act’s enactment into law, unless extended by a subsequent action of the General Assembly.]]> Thu, 07 May 2026 12:40:30 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143116 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 24 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO DENTAL HYGIENE.

This Act expands the scope of practice for dental hygienists in this State. Allowing dental hygienists to use the full range of their education and expertise when providing oral health services will help alleviate provider shortages that make it challenging for Delawareans to obtain dental care. In particular, this Act will help fill gaps in access to preventative oral health care. Oral health is inseparable from overall health, and patients are best served when care is delivered through an integrated, team-based model. Dental hygienists play a vital and respected role in prevention, education, and early identification of disease. A collaborative dental team where each provider practices at the top of their education within a structured system of referral, communication, and accountability ensures patients receive timely preventative services along with accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. This approach strengthens access while preserving the standard of care and protecting the public. This Act grants dental hygienists the authority to do all of the following, in addition to the services they currently provide: 1. Administer and dispense topical agents under the standing order of a dentist providing general supervision. 2. Prescribe, administer, and dispense fluoride under the standing order of a dentist providing general supervision 3. Apply sealants without the need for a dentist to examine a patient beforehand, provided a dentist will see the patient within 12 months of receiving treatment. 4. Engage in dental hygiene assessment and treatment planning within the scope of the authority of a dental hygienist as defined by the Board of Dentistry and Denal Hygiene based on education and experience. 5. Provide direct access to prophylaxis without the need for a dentist to examine a patient beforehand, provided a dentist will see the patient within 12 months of receiving treatment. 6. Directly supervise dental assistants in a manner to be prescribed by the Board of Dentistry and Dental Hygiene. This Act also makes technical corrections to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual.]]> Thu, 07 May 2026 12:40:30 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143228 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 11 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO POSSESSION OF A FIREARM OR PROJECTILE WEAPON IN A SAFE SCHOOL ZONE.

This Act does the following: (1) Makes clear that charter schools and private schools may employ a constable or employ or contract for a qualified retired law-enforcement officer to provide security. (2) Creates an exemption in the Safe School Zone law enacted in 2023, Chapter 175 of Volume 84 of the Laws of Delaware (House Bill No. 201, 152nd General Assembly), for an individual authorized by a private school to serve a “sentry”, an individual authorized by the school to carry a firearm or projectile weapon in a Safe School Zone if certain training and notice requirements are complied with. Not every school is able to afford to hire a constable or a police officer who is a school resource officer. Therefore, the General Assembly finds that it is necessary to permit private schools in this State to employ or contract for individuals to serve as a sentry for these schools. The following states have also provided a similar exemption to their equivalent of the Safe School Zone law for a sentry: Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New Jersey, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming. This Act also makes technical corrections to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual.]]> Wed, 06 May 2026 17:52:25 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143016 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 2, TITLE 9, TITLE 19, AND TITLE 30 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO SUPPORT FOR FEDERAL WORKERS AFFECTED BY A GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN.

This Act provides the following support for federal workers during a government shutdown: (1) In Section 1 of this Act, interest free loans to provide financial assistance. (2) In Section 2 of this Act, free transportation on public transit. (3) In Sections 3 through 6 of this Act, deferral of certain State, county, and school tax filings, payments, and collections.]]> Wed, 06 May 2026 12:34:05 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143094 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 29 AND TITLE 31 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE DISPOSITION OF HUMAN REMAINS.

This Act permits the State to bury or cremate an unclaimed body or remains of an indigent individual without requiring written consent of the next of kin or other legally responsible party. This statutory change will reduce costs, conserve cemetery space, and reduce environmental impacts by limiting formaldehyde exposure in the soil. ]]> Tue, 05 May 2026 18:56:24 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142969 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 11 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THEFT BY IMPERSONATION OF A FAMILY MEMBER.

This Act increases the penalty when an individual commits theft by impersonating a family member of the victim. A person convicted of a violation of this section shall be imprisoned for not less than 60 days. The minimum sentence under this section may not be suspended.]]> Tue, 05 May 2026 18:55:16 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142891 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 30 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO BUSINESS TAX CREDITS AND DEDUCTIONS.

This Act excludes large energy use facilities from the definition of a qualified facility for purposes of determining eligibility for a tax credit or license fee reduction for the creation of employment and qualified investment in business facilities.]]> Tue, 05 May 2026 18:54:54 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142896 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 6 OF THE DELAWARE CODE REGARDING COMMUNICATION WITH A COMPUTER.

This Act makes it an unlawful practice to engage in a commercial transaction with a consumer who interacts with computer technology, under circumstances where a reasonable person would believe that person is engaging with an actual human, without notifying the consumer that the consumer is communicating with a computer and not a human being. It provides a private right of action for damages. It provides that a violation is an unlawful practice and prohibited trade practice. It permits the Attorney General to seek injunctive relief and a civil penalty of not more than $5 million dollars for violations. This Act is effective 180 days after its enactment into law. ]]> Tue, 05 May 2026 18:54:39 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142599 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 16 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO INFORMATIONAL MATERIALS CONCERNING MENSTRUAL DISORDERS.

This Act requires the Department of Health and Social Services, in conjunction with the Department of Education, to develop or obtain informational materials concerning menstrual disorders to be provided upon request to school districts for purposes of educating students about menstrual disorders and their symptoms, and to ensure at least every 2 years the effectiveness of the information, that the information is up-to-date, and that any electronic links provided to access information and links contained therein are valid. The materials and information must be made available on a website maintained by the Department. Schools must, at a minimum, put posters containing the URL to the website maintained by the Department where the materials and information can be found, and may also distribute materials and information directly or provide students with flyers containing URLs, QR codes, or other links from which the students may access the information.]]> Tue, 05 May 2026 18:53:46 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143217 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 30 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO PERSONAL INCOME TAX CREDITS APPLICABLE TO OVERTIME INCOME.

This Act creates a new tax credit in the amount of $15,000 for Delaware residents, applicable to overtime paid under the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act for compensation paid to workers that work over 40 hours in a week. The credit phases out for resident individuals earning $125,000 and joint filers earning $250,000, and is fully phased out for individuals earning $150,000 and joint filers earning $300,000. ]]> Tue, 05 May 2026 18:53:18 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143126 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 5 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO DELAWARE BANKS AND TRUST COMPANIES.

This Act is a substitute for Senate Bill No. 16. This Act differs from the original bill in two ways: (1) Clarifying this Act requires a greater than majority vote for enactment. (2) Providing that Section 5 of this Act is to be implemented the earlier of 1 year from the enactment date or notice by the State Banking Commissioner that final regulations have been published and promulgated. This Act, known as the “Delaware Banking Modernization Act of 2026,” amends Title 5 of the Delaware Code to update and modernize various provisions of the Delaware Banking Code. The Act addresses digital assets, expands the State Bank Commissioner’s authority, modernizes corporate governance and organizational requirements for state chartered banks and trust companies, facilitates interstate trust company operations and conversions, and expands the authority of out-of-state financial institutions to act as fiduciaries in Delaware. The following is a section-by-section summary of the Act’s provisions: Section 1 provides that the Act may be cited as the “Delaware Banking Modernization Act of 2026.” Section 2 amends § 101 of Title 5 to add two new defined terms to the Delaware Banking Code’s general definitions. First, it adds a definition of “Digital Asset,” which means any digital representation of value recorded on a cryptographically-secured distributed ledger or similar technology, including virtual currency. Second, it adds a definition of “Virtual Currency,” which means a digital representation of value used as a medium of exchange, unit of account, or store of value that is not money and is not denominated in money. The definition excludes loyalty or rewards program credits that cannot be exchanged for money or bank credit, and digital representations of value issued by a publisher and used solely within an online game or game platform. Section 3 amends § 103 of Title 5 to expressly authorize the State Bank Commissioner to contract for and procure additional independent consulting, legal, technical, and professional services as needed to discharge the duties of the office. Section 4 amends § 167 of Title 5, which governs the definitions applicable to the change-of-control subchapter for Delaware-chartered banks and trust companies. The amendment makes two changes to the definition of “Control.” First, it modifies the presumption-of-control provision that applies when a person acquires 10 percent or more of a class of voting stock—replacing the phrase “an aggregate” proportion with “a greater” proportion and the word “the” with “that” to clarify the ownership comparison standard. Second, it adds new authority for the State Bank Commissioner to permit the establishment of banks and trust companies authorized to exercise all or fewer than all of the powers conferred by Title 5, including institutions whose powers are limited in their articles of association and by order of the Commissioner. The Commissioner is also authorized to promulgate regulations to carry out this authority, including adopting different application forms with varying requirements based on the risk profile of the proposed activities. Section 5 amends § 701 of Title 5 to clarify the application of Chapter 7 to banks and trust companies. It expressly authorizes the State Bank Commissioner to approve the establishment of institutions with "all or less than all" of the powers typically conferred by the chapter, including those with powers limited by their articles of association. It further grants the Commissioner regulatory authority to adopt different application requirements based on the underlying risks and proposed activities of the institution. Section 6 amends § 723 of Title 5 to provide that the articles of association of a state-chartered bank must state the number of directors, or the manner of fixing such number, which in no case may be fewer than five. This amendment adds flexibility by permitting the articles to specify a method for determining the number of directors rather than requiring a fixed number to be stated. Section 7 amends § 728 of Title 5 to update the information required in a bank’s articles of organization. The amendment modernizes the address requirement by replacing “residence and post-office address” with “business, post office or mailing address” for each officer of the corporation, reflecting contemporary address conventions. Section 8 amends § 742(a) of Title 5 to clarify that the number of directors constituting a bank’s board shall be “fixed by, or in the manner provided in,” the articles of association, rather than merely “specified in” the articles. This change is parallel to the amendment made in Section 5 and provides greater organizational flexibility while maintaining the five-director minimum. Section 9 amends § 761 of Title 5, which governs a bank’s authority to hold and manage personal property in a fiduciary capacity, by adding a new subsection (c) providing that “personal property” for purposes of that subchapter includes digital assets. This amendment ensures that Delaware-chartered banks exercising fiduciary powers may hold and administer digital assets on behalf of customers. Section 10 amends § 777 of Title 5 to remove a restriction on limited purpose trust companies that previously required such entities to be operated in a manner that would not attract customers from the general public to the substantial detriment of existing Delaware banks or trust companies. Removal of this provision is intended to eliminate a potentially anti-competitive restriction and facilitate the establishment of new limited purpose trust companies in Delaware. Section 11 amends § 783 of Title 5, which governs the merger of state banks and the conversion of national banks into state banks, by adding two new subsections. New subsection (b) provides that in a bank merger, all fiduciary appointments, designations, and nominations—including positions as trustee, executor, administrator, custodian, and guardian—automatically vest in the resulting bank without any court order, while preserving the right of any interested party to seek a judicial determination regarding continuation of fiduciary service. New subsection (c) provides the same automatic vesting of fiduciary rights for conversions of national banks or federal savings associations into state banks. Section 12 amends the title of Subchapter VII of Chapter 7 of Title 5 to rename it “Merger, Consolidation or Conversion with or of Out-of-State Banks and Out-of-State Trust Companies.” The amendment adds “Conversion” and “Out-of-State Trust Companies” to the subchapter title to reflect the expanded scope of the provisions contained in Sections 12 through 16 of this Act. Section 13 amends § 795 of Title 5 to add five new defined terms applicable to the interstate merger and conversion subchapter: (1) “Delaware state trust company,” meaning any trust company chartered under the laws of Delaware; (2) “Out-of-state trust company,” meaning an out-of-state state trust company or an out-of-state national trust bank; (3) “Out-of-state state trust company,” meaning any trust company chartered under another state’s laws that is not engaged in the business of receiving non-trust deposits; (4) “Out-of-state national trust bank,” meaning a national bank whose operations are limited to trust company activities not located in Delaware; and (5) “Trust Company,” meaning either a Delaware state trust company or an out-of-state trust company. Section 14 amends § 795A of Title 5 to broaden the express statement of legislative intent for the interstate banking subchapter. In addition to permitting interstate branching by merger under the Riegle-Neal Interstate Banking and Branching Efficiency Act of 1994, the amendment adds the stated intent of facilitating the relocation of out-of-state banks and out-of-state trust companies to Delaware. Section 15 amends § 795B of Title 5 to add a new subsection (d) permitting a Delaware state trust company, with prior written approval of the State Bank Commissioner, to establish, maintain, and operate branch offices, trust offices, or other places of business in other states pursuant to an interstate merger or conversion transaction in which the Delaware state trust company is the resulting entity. Section 16 amends § 795D of Title 5, which governs mergers and conversions resulting in a Delaware state bank, to add parallel provisions for out-of-state trust company mergers and conversions resulting in a Delaware state trust company. New subsection (c) authorizes out-of-state state banks to convert into Delaware state banks and out-of-state trust companies to convert into limited purpose trust companies with prior written approval of the State Bank Commissioner, subject to applicable federal and home-state law. New subsection (d) establishes a deemed-approval mechanism if the Commissioner takes no action within 30 days of receiving a completed conversion application. New subsection (e) sets forth the required application materials for a converting institution. New subsection (f) specifies that the legal effect of an approved conversion follows the procedures of Title 8, Chapter 1 (for corporations) or Title 6, Chapter 18 (for limited liability companies), as applicable. New subsection (g) conditions Commissioner approval on satisfaction that adequate provision has been made for successors to any fiduciary positions held by a merging or converting institution that will not exercise trust powers following the transaction. New subsections (h) and (i) provide for the automatic vesting of fiduciary appointments in the resulting bank or trust company following a merger or conversion, respectively, mirroring the provisions added to § 783 by Section 9 of this Act. Section 17 amends § 795I of Title 5 to add a new subsection (c) expressly authorizing a Delaware state trust company to conduct activities at any branch office or other place of business outside Delaware that are permissible for a Delaware state trust company and permissible under the laws of the state where the office is located. Section 18 amends § 913 of Title 5, which addresses the authority of national banks to act as fiduciaries in Delaware, to add a new subsection (b) extending comparable authority to banks and trust companies organized under the laws of any other state. Specifically, an out-of-state bank or trust company that is duly authorized under its home state’s laws and organizational documents to act in a fiduciary capacity may be appointed by will, deed of trust, or other agreement as executor, guardian, trustee, or other fiduciary in Delaware—but only to the extent that the laws of the institution’s home state confer reciprocal fiduciary powers on Delaware-chartered banks and trust companies. Section 19 amends § 1622 of Title 5, which governs articles of association for savings banks, to parallel the amendment made to § 723 in Section 5 of this Act. The amendment requires the articles of association to state the number of directors, or the manner of fixing such number, which in no case may be fewer than five. Section 20 amends § 1627 of Title 5 to parallel the amendment to § 728 made in Section 6 of this Act, updating the address information required in a savings bank’s articles of organization from “residence and post-office address” to “business, post office or mailing address” for each officer. Section 21 amends § 1642(a) of Title 5 to parallel the amendment to § 742(a) made in Section 7 of this Act, clarifying that the number of directors for a savings bank board shall be “fixed by, or in the manner provided in,” the articles of association rather than merely “specified in” the articles, while retaining the five-director minimum. Section 22 amends § 1661 of Title 5, which governs the authority of savings banks to hold personal property in a fiduciary capacity, to add a new subsection (c) providing that “personal property” for purposes of that subchapter includes digital assets, paralleling the amendment made to § 761 in Section 8 of this Act. Sections 1 through 4 and Sections 6 through 23 are effective immediately. Section 5 is also effective immediately; however, it is to be implemented the earlier of the following: 1 year from the date of the Act’s enactment or notice by the State Banking Commissioner that final regulations have been published and promulgated. This Act requires a greater than majority vote for passage because § 1 of Article IX of the Delaware Constitution requires the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members elected to each house of the General Assembly to amend the general corporation law or enact any special act of incorporation.]]> Tue, 05 May 2026 18:49:20 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143125 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 5 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO STABLECOINS.

This Act is a second substitute for Senate Bill No. 19. This substitute bill differs from Senate Bill No. 19 by doing the following: (1) Reorganizing the proposed "Delaware Payment Stablecoins Act" as Chapter 35 of Title 5, rather than Chapter 40 as originally proposed in Senate Bill No. 19. (2) Creating § 3508, which restricts non-financial public companies from issuing payment stablecoins. (3) Creating § 3518, which establishes a voluntary registration pathway for digital asset service providers rather than through the licensing process as originally proposed in Senate Bill No. 19. (4) Creating § 3556, which establishes procedures for the insolvency of a payment stablecoin issuer. (5) Creating a new definition of “control” to better align with the bill. (6) Expanding the definition of “registered public accounting firm” to include certified public accounting firms that meet the standards established by the Delaware Board of Accountancy. (7) Making appropriate technical corrections to conform to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual. Senate Substitute No. 2 for Senate Bill No. 19 establishes the Delaware Payment Stablecoin Act under Title 5 of the Delaware Code. It creates a licensing framework for payment stablecoin issuers and digital asset service providers operating with or on behalf of Delaware residents. The Act adopts definitions drawn from the federal Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins Act (GENIUS Act), Pub. L. 119-27, and from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency's proposed rulemaking implementing that statute (Docket ID OCC-2025-0372), where those definitions do not duplicate existing Delaware law. The Act establishes reserve requirements including reserve shortfall remediation cascades, mandatory redemption timing standards, capital standards, anti-money laundering obligations, data privacy statutory floors, change-in-control notice procedures, custody safeguards, a federal-to-state charter conversion pathway, and strong preemption provisions. The State Bank Commissioner is directed to promulgate implementing regulations within specified timeframes to align Delaware's framework with evolving federal standards. This Act requires a greater than majority vote for passage because § 1 of Article IX of the Delaware Constitution requires the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members elected to each house of the General Assembly to enact or amend the general incorporation law.]]> Tue, 05 May 2026 18:48:24 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143145 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 4 AND TITLE 16 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO ALCOHOL AND MARIJUANA.

This Act sets forth requirements and restrictions for the manufacture, distribution, and sale of THC-infused beverages in this State. This Act allows manufacturers to operate in Delaware with authorization, and sets forth manufacturing and product requirements. Out-of-state and in-state manufacturers must deliver their infused beverages to licensed importers, who must comply with notice and testing requirements before the infused beverages can be transported from an importer’s warehouse to package stores for sale, and must keep detailed records of their shipments. Package stores may obtain authorization to sell infused beverages for off-premises consumption, and must comply with requirements concerning the placement of infused beverages in the store, signage, and packaging criteria. This Act also allows licensed retail marijuana stores to sell infused beverages. This Act classifies cannabidiol (CBD), cannabigerol (CBG), cannabinol (CBN), and cannabichromene (CBC) as nonintoxicating cannabinoids and those cannabinoids not excluded from sale to consumers by this Act. This Act increases the potential civil penalties for selling marijuana, marijuana products, and infused beverages to individuals under 21, allowing a fine of up to $10,000 for subsequent offenses within 5 years. Additionally, for violations of provisions of Title 4 pertaining to infused beverages, an administrative civil penalty may be imposed of the greater $250 or up to 10 percent of the estimated average gross monthly sales of infused beverages for the operations of a licensee within 12 months preceding the date the penalty is imposed. This Act also updates outdated provisions of code and makes technical corrections to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual. This Act sets forth taxation of infused beverages, which is set at $0.50 per container and taxed at the warehouse distributor, not the retail point of sale. This Act specifies that the Act takes effect 90 days after enactment and the sale of infused beverages may sunset if a Federal legislative act that changes the definition of “hemp” under 7 U.S.C. § 1639 (o) to a controlled substance. 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. 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.]]> Tue, 05 May 2026 18:42:22 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143219 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 4 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE REGULATION OF HEMP PRODUCTS.

This Act establishes "The Delaware Hemp Regulation Act" under Title 4 of the Delaware Code to create a comprehensive regulatory framework for the sale, distribution, and consumption of hemp-derived cannabinoid products (HDCPs) in the State. It authorizes the Office of the Marijuana Commissioner (OMC) to issue retail licenses for off-premises consumption of HDCPs. The Act implements age-verification requirements, limiting access to individuals 21 years of age or older, and mandates security and zoning standards for all licensed premises. Furthermore, it requires all HDCPs to undergo potency and contaminant testing by accredited laboratories and establishes strict labeling requirements to prevent products from appealing to children. To ensure compliance, the Act empowers the Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement (DATE) and the OMC to conduct inspections and provides for the immediate embargo or destruction of noncompliant products. This Act imposes a 6% excise tax on the retail sales of all HDCPs. The Act takes effect immediately and must be implemented within one year of enactment or upon the publication of final regulations by the OMC. 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. ]]> Tue, 05 May 2026 12:39:45 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143209 Delaware - Committee ESTABLISHING THE EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION SOLUTIONS TASK FORCE.

This House Concurrent Resolution establishes the Early Childhood Education Solutions Task Force to study and make findings and recommendations regarding a model of mixed-delivery, non-compulsory public pre-K that covers all 3- and 4-year-olds in this State by 2035.]]> Tue, 05 May 2026 12:39:45 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143204 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE STATE TREASURER REPORTING OF STATE PAYMENTS FOR STATE PUBLIC OFFICER TRAVEL-RELATED EXPENSES.

This Act requires the State Treasurer to annually report public officer travel-related expenses paid for by the State.]]> Tue, 05 May 2026 12:39:45 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143182 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 30 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO PERSONAL INCOME TAX DEDUCTION OR CREDITS APPLICABLE TO QUALIFIED TIP INCOME.

This Act establishes the Tipped Worker Tax Relief Act of 2026 to provide targeted state income tax relief to resident and nonresident tipped workers in Delaware. It creates a deduction of up to $15,000 on qualified tips and converts it to a refundable credit for low-income resident earners. The program sunsets in 2029 unless renewed after review. This legislation promotes fairness, supports workforce retention in small business community, and addresses affordability challenges without new taxes or mandates on employers.]]> Thu, 30 Apr 2026 12:00:22 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143173 Delaware - Committee ENCOURAGING THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS TO EXPLORE THE POSSIBILITY OF ESTABLISHING A VETERAN’S CEMETERY IN KENT COUNTY, DELAWARE.

This Concurrent Resolution encourages the Department of Veterans Affairs (Department) to explore and make recommendations on the feasibility of establishing a veteran’s cemetery in Kent County, Delaware, and to submit a report containing those recommendations no later than January 1, 2027. ]]> Thu, 30 Apr 2026 12:00:22 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143193 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 24 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO AESTHETICIANS.

This Act adds definitions to update the scope of practice for aestheticians. The current scope of practice does not encompass the actual services that aestheticians are educated and trained to perform. This Act provides clarity to professionals and the public as to what treatments are permissible and specifies that an aesthetician’s ability to perform treatments is subject to meeting training requirements and manufacturer directions. Finally, the Act adds language, which was previously repealed, to state that licenses must be displayed at the place of business or available for inspection upon request. An apprentice license must be displayed at the apprentice’s workstation. This Act also makes technical corrections to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual. ]]> Thu, 30 Apr 2026 11:58:01 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142886 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 18 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO LIFE INSURANCE POLICY EXCLUSIONS AND RESTRICTIONS BASED ON DEATH RESULTING FROM SUICIDE.

Current Delaware law provides that a life insurance policy may contain a provision excluding or restricting coverage in the event of death by suicide within 2 years from the date of issue of the policy. This Act reduces the time period to 1 year from the date of issue of the policy. It applies to a policy that is issued after the effective date of the Act. This Act also requires that in the event any death benefit is denied because the insured dies as a result of suicide within 1 year from the date of issue of the policy, the insurer must refund all premiums paid for coverage providing the denied death benefit on the insured. This Act is effective 6 months after its enactment into law. ]]> Thu, 23 Apr 2026 19:09:25 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143075 Delaware - Committee PURCHASE OF CARE PROVIDER REIMBURSEMENT RATES.

This Joint Resolution indicates that the reimbursement rates for Purchase of Care providers serving children ages 0-5 should be increased by 10% for FY2027 across all settings. ]]> Thu, 23 Apr 2026 18:59:30 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143046 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 14 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO DISABLED VETERANS' SCHOOL TAX CREDIT.

This Act modifies the eligibility standard from 100% disability to 80% disability or greater for veterans to qualify for the credit against school taxation on qualified property and corrects a typographical error. Section 1917 of Title 14 currently appears in 2 versions in the Code because an unrelated change in the statute will occur in 2028. This Act therefore contains both versions of the Code to indicate the intention that the change made by this Act will persist through the unrelated 2028 scheduled statutory change.]]> Thu, 23 Apr 2026 18:57:33 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143047 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLES 15 AND 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO CAMPAIGN FINANCE.

This Act clarifies and streamlines the disclosure and enforcement provisions of Delaware’s campaign finance laws. Among other things, this Act does the following: (1) Requires a political committee to submit written documentation of all loans provided to the committee and requires that proceeds of a loan are deposited into the committee’s account within 3 business days. (2) Prohibits candidates from charging interest on personal loans to a candidate committee. (3) Requires political committees to retain records for 5 years, rather than 3 years. (4) Requires the State Election Commissioner to provide the Division of Civil Rights and Public Trust (within the DOJ) with a monthly list of alleged violations of campaign finance laws and further clarifies that the Division must investigate and prosecute violations of campaign finance laws. (5) Expands the 1-time extension permitted for filing tardy reports from 24 hours to 48 hours after the reporting deadline. (6) Requires the Division of Civil Rights and Public Trust to submit an annual report of its activity to the Governor and the General Assembly. (7) Authorizes the Commissioner to create regulations relating to political committee audits. (8) Requires the Commissioner to create a mandatory biennial training program for candidates and treasurers. (9) Prohibits political committees from engaging in campaign finance activities 30 days after the issuance of a citation if the citation has not been resolved in that time. ]]> Thu, 23 Apr 2026 18:57:04 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143166 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLES 6 AND 21 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO RENTAL CARS AND PEER- TO-PEER CAR SHARING LOSS OF USE.

This Act allows rental car companies and peer-to-peer car sharing programs to recover loss of use damages from any rental car drivers, shared vehicle drivers, or the negligent party’s insurer caused by any renter or an authorized driver’s negligent, intentional, willful, or criminal acts resulting in a loss of the vehicle’s use.]]> Thu, 23 Apr 2026 12:36:48 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142918 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 9 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE STATE FARMLAND VALUATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE.

This Act increases the voting membership of the State Farmland Advisory Committee from 3 members to 7 members. The Act also adds 3 non-voting members to the Committee who are officials with the Assessment Divisions/Departments of New Castle, Kent, and Sussex Counties. The Delaware State Department of Finance shall provide reasonable staff support to assist the Committee in performing its duties. The Committee shall, at least once every 2 years, review its valuation formula and methodology utilized to determine the ranges of fair values for agricultural, horticultural, and forestry land and make such changes and revisions as are required to ensure that the objectives of the Act are met. The formula used by the Committee shall be based on not less than the preceding 20 years of land values. The Committee must publish an annual report containing its determinations and any review of its farmland valuation formula and methodology.]]> Wed, 22 Apr 2026 12:21:32 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143044 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 13 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO METHODS TO OBTAIN JURISDICTION OVER RESPONDENT IN FAMILY COURT AND THE DUTY TO SUPPORT.

This Act allows the Division of Child Support Services (DCSS) to serve a non-custodial parent’s summons for family court hearings by any form of mail with proof of delivery, including using the United States Postal Service or other commercial delivery services such as Federal Express (FedEx) or United Parcel Service (UPS). ]]> Tue, 21 Apr 2026 17:26:00 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143138 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 26 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES, IN RELATION TO THE RESILIENCY, PUBLIC SAFETY, AND QUALITY OF BROADBAND NETWORKS AND VOICE OVER INTERNET PROTOCOL (VOIP) SERVICE.

This Act shall be known and may be cited as the “Broadband Resiliency, Public Safety, and Quality Act.” This Act confers jurisdiction upon the Delaware Public Service Commission to exercise oversight related to the resiliency, reliability, and public safety of broadband service and Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) networks operating in Delaware. The Act requires the Commission to promulgate regulations to effectuate its oversight authority. The Act grants the Commission the power to investigate, audit, and inspect any broadband service or VoIP provider’s facilities to assess compliance with safety and resiliency requirements. The Act also grants the Commission the power to order corrective actions or impose penalties consistent with Chapter 1 of Title 26, if deficiencies are found. The Act requires the Commission to issue an annual report to the Governor, the General Assembly, and the Director and Librarian of the Division of Legislative Services, no later than March 31, summarizing the state of broadband and VoIP resiliency, emergency performance, and recommendations for improvement. The Act also requires the Commission to establish and maintain a public reporting system to receive and document complaints regarding broadband service and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service quality, network outages, or unsafe conditions associated with communications infrastructure, including deteriorated or abandoned copper plant. The Act also requires the Commission to review and, where appropriate, investigate complaints to determine whether a reported issue presents a risk to public safety or violates applicable standards. The Commission may then require corrective action by the provider and may publish periodic summaries of complaints and resolutions to promote transparency and accountability.]]> Tue, 21 Apr 2026 17:22:16 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143144 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 10 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE ORGANIZATION AND OPERATION OF THE JUSTICE OF THE PEACE COURTS.

This Act updates the Code to reflect the current needs and court operations of the Justice of the Peace Court. This Act increases the number of the justices of the peace in Kent County, which will be the only State County where 24-hour hearings will take place, and reduces the number of justices in other counties. This Act also reduces the number of courts in New Castle County, excluding Wilmington, from 5 to 3 and in Sussex County from 5 to 4.]]> Tue, 21 Apr 2026 12:46:21 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143137 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 7 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO SOLID WASTE RECYCLING.

This Act adds requirements for persons who collect single-stream recycling from single and multi-family residential or source-separated customers and requires commercial businesses to assess all wastes and evaluate costs associated with disposal of recyclable materials. The Act also removes responsibilities associated with recycling grants and low interest loans, which are no longer available. The Act adds a new provision to facilitate stakeholder engagement with the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control and the Delaware Solid Waste Authority, while removing the establishment and associated responsibilities of the Recycling Public Advisory Council. Section 7 of the Act removes specific civil and administrative penalties, allowing the Department to utilize enforcement authority already established in Chapter 60, Section 6005 and details the responsibilities of the Department and the Authority to provide an annual report to the Governor and General Assembly regarding the status of recycling activities in the state. This Act also makes technical corrections to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual. ]]> Tue, 21 Apr 2026 09:57:29 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143123 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 11 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO PROTECTING FIRST RESPONDERS.

This Act makes it a crime for any person to either cross a marked barrier established by a first responder, or, after receiving a warning not to approach from a first responder who is engaged in the lawful performance of a legal duty, to violate the warning and approach or remain within 25 feet of the first responder, with the intent to do any of the following: (1) Impede or interfere with the first responder’s ability to perform the first responder’s legal duty. (2) Threaten the first responder with physical injury, serious physical injury, or death. (3) Harass the first responder. For purposes of this Act, a first responder means a law-enforcement officer, volunteer or paid firefighter, emergency medical technician, paramedic, or fire police officer.]]> Tue, 21 Apr 2026 09:56:48 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142209 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLES 11 AND 24 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO FIREARMS.

This Act directs the Department of Safety and Homeland Security (DSHS) to develop a Firearm Responsibilities Notice for distribution to gun purchasers to ensure dissemination of important information relating to safe and lawful handling of firearms. It mandates that licensed importers, manufacturers, and dealers cannot sell, transfer, or deliver a firearm to another person without requiring the buyer to review and sign a Firearm Responsibilities Notice. Licensed dealers that provide background checks to facilitate a sale between unlicensed persons are also responsible for providing a copy of the Firearm Responsibilities Notice to the prospective buyer and retaining a copy of the Firearm Responsibilities Notice signed by the prospective buyer. The purpose of the Firearm Responsibilities Notice is to deter straw purchases and other illegal transfer of firearms, to ensure awareness of Delaware’s gun safety laws, and to increase the reporting of lost or stolen firearms. The Firearm Responsibilities Notice is also intended to prevent accidental shootings by providing information on gun safety and available gun safety courses. It is also designed to reduce suicides by providing the national suicide prevention hotline number. This bill requires licensed firearm dealers to securely maintain a record of all signed Firearm Responsibilities Notices. This bill tasks the Department with creating the Firearm Responsibilities Notice, in consultation with the Department of Justice and other stakeholders, posting the Firearm Responsibilities Notice to its website, and providing (free of charge) the Firearm Responsibilities Notice to licensed importers, licensed manufacturers, and licensed dealers in the State. All licensed deadly weapons dealers in this State are mandated to keep and securely store signed Firearm Responsibilities Notices for at least 3 years as part of the records required to be kept and maintained in the place of business at all times. A violation of provisions of Title 24 relating to records or background checks for sales between unlicensed persons is already a misdemeanor, punishable by a maximum fine of $250 or $500 and 6 months imprisonment. This law will expand the scope of those misdemeanors, thus requiring a 2/3 vote. The bill is effective 180 days after enactment. The DSHS is required to conduct outreach to licensed importers, licensed manufacturers, and licensed dealers in Delaware prior to the effective date to make them aware of the new requirements imposed by this Act and provide access to the Firearm Responsibilities Notice as developed by the Department.]]> Thu, 16 Apr 2026 18:13:37 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143042 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO CHILD SUPPORT.

This Act creates a presumption that parents are not liable for the care, maintenance, and support of children committed to DSCYF, or admitted to a service provided by DSCYF. The Family Court may order child support payments only if child support will not pose a barrier to parent reunification.]]> Thu, 16 Apr 2026 17:57:03 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143103 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 3 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE DELAWARE AGRICULTURAL LANDS PRESERVATION ACT.

This Act removes the requirement that the counties each establish a Farmland Preservation Advisory Board. This Act also makes technical corrections to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual.]]> Thu, 16 Apr 2026 12:41:04 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142953 Delaware - Committee REQUESTING THE DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO DEVELOP A WORKING GROUP TO SUPPORT COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH EDUCATION STANDARDS AND PROGRAMMING K-12.

This Concurrent Resolution requests the Delaware Department of Education to develop a working group of health educators to continually improve the K-12 Comprehensive Health Education Programming, ensuring skills-based health education is accessible to all children throughout the state. This will require the review of information from parents and families, students, administrators, superintendents, other DE state agencies, and other organizations as needed to inform recommended changes to the Delaware Health Standards that will need to be adopted by the State Board of Education. The Department will provide a summary report of the information reviewed by the working group, summary of the annual health education survey and recommended new Delaware health standards. The summary report will be provided to the Governor, members of the General Assembly, and the State Board of Education, and the Director and the Librarian of the Division of Legislative Services.]]> Thu, 16 Apr 2026 12:41:04 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143095 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 14 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO ATTENDANCE AND ACCOMMODATIONS FOR PREGNANT AND PARENTING STUDENTS.

This Act establishes comprehensive protections and reasonable accommodations for pregnant and parenting students in all Delaware schools receiving state approval and financial assistance. This Act provides the following protections: 1. Mandatory excused absences: Schools must excuse absences for labor, delivery, prenatal and postnatal appointments, and up to 5 days for pregnancy related illness. It also mandates 6 weeks of excused leave following childbirth. It provides coverage for absences related to a child’s illness or legal proceedings involving the child. 2. Physical and environmental accommodations: The Act requires school to provide private and secure lactation rooms as well as physical modifications to learning environments like increased desk sizes, access to elevators or modified transportation schedules. 3. Academic flexibilities: Students are entitled to schedule modifications, including altered course sequences, remote learning options, extensions of time, or rescheduling of examinations. 4. Academic protections: A student may not incur an academic penalty for utilizing these accommodations. Following an absence, the school must allow the student to make up work in a timeframe at least equal to the duration of the absence and the same options make up the work that are provided to other students with standard illnesses 5. Documentation and privacy: Schools are generally prohibited from requiring medical documentation to excuse absences or grant accommodations except where explicitly noted.]]> Wed, 15 Apr 2026 18:40:51 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143097 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 16 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE UNIFORM CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES ACT.

Kratom is an herb derived from a leafy Southeast Asia tree, known formally as Mitragyna speciosa. Kratom contains two psychoactive compounds, mitragynine and 7-hydroximitragynine. Both compounds can bind to opioid receptors in the brain and produce a pharmacological response similar to the effects of other opioids, such as morphine, and can lead to addiction. An estimated 11 to 15 million Americans consume Kratom regularly. According to a 2025 study by the Legislative Analysis and Public Policy Association, 24 states and the District of Columbia regulate kratom or its components in some manner. In six states (Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin) and the District of Columbia, kratom’s psychoactive components are considered controlled substances. In 18 states, the possession, sale, manufacture, etc. of kratom products is regulated. A Center for Disease Control analysis found that kratom was implicated in 846 fatal overdose cases across 30 states and the District of Columbia in 2022. Other reports suggest over 2,000 fatal overdoses have been linked to kratom since 2021. This Act amends Delaware’s Uniform Controlled Substances Act. The Act defines “Kratom” and “Kratom Products”. The Act makes it unlawful to manufacture, distribute, sell, offer to sell, or possess with intent to sell a Kratom Product. This Substitute differs from the original bill in that it fits kratom into the Uniform Controlled Substances Act by specifying tier quantities for drug offenses that result in the classification of the charge under the existing criminal framework. It moves to the definition of "kratom products" any product that contains the active ingredients of kratom, regardless of whether the product is represented, labeled, or marketed as “kratom” or not. It removes criminal charges for simple possession by an individual, and it clarifies that manufacturing, selling, or delivery of kratom or similar products is subject to criminal charges under this chapter.]]> Wed, 15 Apr 2026 18:40:32 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143091 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 21 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO RESIDENTIAL SPEED LIMITS.

This Act changes the statutory speed limit for residential districts to 20 miles per hour. This Act provides a 5-year window for signage to be updated. ]]> Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:37:57 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143086 Delaware - Committee ACT TO AMEND TITLE 24 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO UNBORN CHILDREN.

Like Senate Bill No. 251, this Act protects the life of the unborn child at a time when the potential for the child to survive outside the womb increases, especially with the advancement of medical procedures. Specifically, this Act repeals the current sections of the Delaware Code relating to termination of human pregnancy and enacts The Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. Senate Substitute No. 1 for Senate Bill No. 251 differs from Senate Bill No. 251 as follows: • The definitions section is moved to § 1790A of Title 24 and the legislative findings section is moved to § 1790 of Title 24. • Revises the definition of “nonviable” by clarifying that “nonviable” means the condition will result in the death of the unborn child upon birth or shortly thereafter and that “nonviable” does not include conditions with which the child may survive outside of the uterus with medical treatment. • The prevention of the mother’s death is the only exception to performing an abortion without determining the probably post-fertilization age of a fetus in a medical emergency or to performing an abortion of an unborn child capable of feeling pain. Under SB 251, there were also exceptions in both situations if the abortion is necessary to avert a serious health risk to the unborn child’s mother. • Makes corresponding changes to the definitions for Subchapter IX of Chapter 17 of Title 24. • Changes the due date for the first report required under § 1794A of Title 24 from June 30, 2026, to June 30, 2027. • Removes the severability provision because § 308 of Title 1 makes any provision in the Code severable, so that the invalidity of a provision does not affect provisions that can be given effect without the invalid provisions. This Act also makes corresponding changes to § 1702 of Title 24, technical corrections to SB 251, and technical corrections to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual.]]> Wed, 15 Apr 2026 09:09:26 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142824 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 30 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE REALTY TRANSFER TAX.

This Act provides updates to Title 30 relating to the Realty Transfer Tax. First it clarifies that the exception for spouses is not solely limited between a husband and wife and instead applies to spouses in general. It also adds an exception for conveyances between grandparents and their grandchildren or the spouse of such a grandchild.]]> Tue, 14 Apr 2026 17:24:03 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143036 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 11 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO APPLICATIONS FOR LICENSES TO CARRY CONCEALED DEADLY WEAPONS.

This Act removes the requirement that the name and residence of each person that applies for a license to carry a concealed deadly weapon be published in a newspaper.]]> Thu, 09 Apr 2026 12:30:21 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142859 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 13 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO PARENTAGE.

This Act adopts a portion of the 2017 updates to the Uniform Parentage Act ("Uniform Act") authored by the Uniform Law Commission. The Uniform Law Commission “provides states with non-partisan, well-conceived and well-drafted legislation that brings clarity and stability to critical areas of state statutory law.” Specifically, this Act adopts provisions setting forth requirements and procedures regarding access to non-identifying medical history and identifying information regarding gamete providers by children born through assisted reproduction and their parents. Based on data from 2015, the CDC reports that “approximately 1.6% of all infants born in the United States every year are conceived using ART.” Data suggest that this percentage continues to increase. Gaia Bernstein, Unintended Consequences: Prohibitions on Gamete Donor Anonymity and the Fragile Practice of Surrogacy, 10 Ind. Health L. Rev. 291, 298 (2013) (noting that “from 2004 to 2008 the number of IVF cycles used for gestational surrogacy grew by 60%, the number of births by gestational surrogates grew by 53% and the number of babies born to gestational surrogates grew by 89%”). Accordingly, it is increasingly important for states to address these issues. These provisions of the Uniform Act do the following: (1) Require gamete banks and fertility clinics to collect and retain both identifying information and nonidentifying medical history about gamete donors. (2) Provide that gamete banks and fertility centers shall provide non-identifying medical history to parents on request at any time and on request by the donor-conceived child who attains 18 years of age. (3) With regard to identifying information, provide that a gamete bank or fertility center shall provide this information to the donor conceived child who attains 18 years of age on their request. ]]> Thu, 09 Apr 2026 12:30:21 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143014 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 6 OF THE DELAWARE CODE REGARDING THE SECONDARY TICKETING MARKET.

This Act is a substitute bill for Senate Bill No. 181. It changes the following from the original bill: 1. Adds definitions for “original total price” and “primary ticketing platform” while removing the definition of “ticket issuer” from the original bill. 2. Omits language regarding transferability of a ticket in § 2505N to better reflect that most tickets do not restrict transferability of a ticket; however, this omission would not restrict an artist or venue from choosing to restrict transferability as part of terms and conditions of the ticket. 3. Provides clarity by removing “event ticket” as used in the original bill for simply “ticket”. 4. Changes the amount of time a primary ticketing platform must report a known or attempted circumvention of ticket sales to the Division from 48 hours to 30 days. 5. In § 2509N, the concept of a price cap is replaced with price limitation, which limits the price at which a reseller or secondary ticket exchange may sell or offer to sell a ticket to 110% of the original total price of the ticket. 6. Removes sections from the original bill pertaining to registration and reporting requirements of resellers, bond requirements, secondary ticket exchange responsibilities, consumer compensation, audit and oversight, public access to registered resellers, and revocation of resellers. 7. Changes the penalty section to clarify violations of this chapter are unlawful practices under § 2513 of this title and subject to penalties of subchapter II of chapter 25 of Title 6. It also establishes a private right of action for victims who set the original base price of a ticket to seek relief and obtain an award of attorneys’ fees if they are the prevailing party. Any excess awards are to be deposited in the Consumer Protection Fund of the Attorney General for the purpose of providing restitution to other affected customers. 8. Minor technical changes. This substitute bill, as in the original bill, prohibits certain actions regarding the sale and exchange of tickets for events in this state by primary ticket sellers, ticket issuers, and ticket resellers. It requires a clear and conspicuous disclosure of fees and costs associated with the total cost of a ticket being provided to a purchaser before the purchaser’s payment information is requested. The substitute bill prohibits the reselling of a ticket until the event is placed on sale to the general public, including any tickets that may be obtained or accessed through a fan club. It further sets forth requirements regarding transferability of tickets, refunding of tickets, and bans the use of deceptive practices for any reselling of a ticket. This Act prohibits use of a bot or other methods used to circumvent reasonable restrictions on the sale of tickets on the internet. The Act places a price limitation of up to 110% of the original total price of the ticket. This Act is effective immediately and is to be implemented the earlier of 1 year from the date of enactment or notice of publication within the Register of Regulations that final regulations have been promulgated. ]]> Thu, 09 Apr 2026 12:30:21 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143022 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 26 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO PORTABLE SOLAR GENERATION DEVICES.

This bill makes provision for solar generation of electricity through small portable solar generation devices. The bill defines the term “portable solar generation device" and provides that such devices a) may have a maximum power output per meter of not more than 800 watts; b) are designed to be connected to a building’s electrical system through a standard 120-volt alternating current outlet; c) are intended primarily to offset part of the customer’s electricity consumption; and d) meet the standards of the National Electrical Code, as adopted by the State Fire Marshal. Portable solar generation devices that meet the requirements of the new section are exempt from any interconnection requirements in Title 26 of the Delaware Code, Chapter 10, unless the customer intends to engage in net metering. The portable solar generation devices must be installed and operated in accordance with the latest revision of IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 1547, which is the primary standard governing the interconnection and interoperability of distributed energy resources. The bill provides that an electric distribution company can not require a customer to obtain its approval before installing or using a portable solar generation device. The bill requires an electric distribution company to establish an online registration system, on or before January 15, 2027, through which its customers must register their portable solar generation devices. The bill also provides that a customer’s electric distribution company is not liable for any injury or damage caused by a portable solar generation device. The bill directs the Delaware Sustainable Energy Utility to perform a safety study of portable solar generation devices and provide a report with findings and recommendations for future expansion of these systems in Delaware by January 1, 2027.]]> Thu, 26 Mar 2026 18:13:29 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142445 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 11 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE DELAWARE SENTENCING GUIDELINES AND ACCOUNTABILITY COMMISSION.

This Act repeals Subchapter X of Title 11 which established the Delaware Sentencing Accountability Commission (Commission) and recodifies the Commission under Chapter 89A of Title 11. This Act modernizes the Commission’s mission, establishes the membership of the Commission, codifies the Commission’s overall power and authority, and creates a duty for the Commission to provide a data report annually.]]> Thu, 26 Mar 2026 16:47:08 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142742 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 30 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO EXCLUSION OF MILITARY PENSIONS FROM TAXABLE INCOME.

Of the 41 states with a state income tax, 27 states fully exempt military retirement pay from state income taxes and 12 states partially exempt military retirement pay. In 2022, Delaware increased the pension exclusion for military pensioners under 60 to $12,500, and in 2024, Delaware expanded the definition of a United States military pension to include a pension received for an individual’s service in the commissioned corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the commissioned corps of the Public Health Service and clarified that the armed forces of the United States includes the Space Force and Coast Guard. This Act phases in, over 3 years, an increased exemption for military pensions from state income taxation, regardless of age, which is currently $12,500, so that in taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2029, the exemption will be $25,000 for all military pensioners.]]> Wed, 25 Mar 2026 16:46:12 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143012 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 14 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO LIMITATION ON PUBLIC SCHOOLS' TAX RATE AFTER GENERAL REASSESSMENT.

This Act removes the 10% increase in school property tax revenue and replaces it with a school district that can demonstrate that it will suffer a loss of projected revenue resulting from the general reassessment being allowed to increase its rate of taxation up to 2% per year for 5 years or until the district's projected revenue loss per year has been fully realized, whichever comes first. ]]> Wed, 25 Mar 2026 12:54:04 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143008 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 11 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO ASSAULT AND STANDING UP FOR EDUCATORS.

Delaware educators identify school safety as a significant issue affecting whether they stay in the profession. This Act demonstrates the General Assembly's commitment to supporting our educators by elevating a recklessly or intentionally caused physical injury to an educator to an assault in the second degree. Under this Act, an "educator" includes an employee, contractor, or subcontractor of a public or private elementary school or secondary school. The injury must occur while on school property or at a school-sponsored event in order for this Act to apply. This Act may be cited as "The We've Got Your Back Act".]]> Wed, 25 Mar 2026 12:54:01 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143007 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 14 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO AN EDUCATOR AND EDUCATION STAFF BILL OF RIGHTS.

This act creates an educator and education staff bill of rights relating to their educational work in the course of their employment.]]> Wed, 25 Mar 2026 12:54:01 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142972 Delaware - Committee AN ACT AMENDING TITLE 10 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO CIVIL ARRESTS.

This Act prohibits civil arrests from being made in courthouses or Department of Labor Offices where the Delaware Industrial Accident Board conducts hearings. The prohibition does not apply where there is a judicial order authorizing the civil arrest or where the law enforcement officer seeking to make the civil arrest has provided the court or administrative body with detailed advance notice regarding the proposed arrest. This Substitute differs from the original House Bill No. 150 in that it adds locations and proceedings related to the Delaware Industrial Accident Board to the prohibition and incorporates changes made by House Amendment No. 2 into the body of the bill. ]]> Tue, 24 Mar 2026 19:43:58 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142176 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 11 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO FINES, FEES, RESTITUTION, AND OTHER COURT-RELATED MONETARY OBLIGATIONS.

Currently, even when a defendant or individual obviously does not have the means to pay a financial penalty or fee, Delaware Courts are unable to waive certain mandatory minimum fines or fees at sentencing. This can create a constitutional crossroads, as our justice system has long recognized that the Fourteen Amendment prohibits “punishing a person for his poverty.” Bearden v. Georgia, 461 U.S. 660, 671 (1983). This Act gives courts the discretion to waive fines and fees, in whole or in part, in appropriate circumstances. It also creates a presumption that fines and fees will not be imposed when a defendant shows evidence of certain conditions, including receiving a public assistance benefit (like Medicaid, SNAP, or veterans’ benefits) or being represented by the Office of Defense Services. It also creates a hearing process for anyone already sentenced to pay a fine or fee. The changes in this Act are based on recommendations of the Criminal Legal System Imposed Debt Study Group created by House Bill 244, as amended by House Amendment No 2, of the 151st General Assembly, in its December 7, 2023, report. This Act takes effect 180 days after its enactment.]]> Tue, 24 Mar 2026 19:43:43 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142785 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 4 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO MARIJUANA ESTABLISHMENT SPACING REQUIREMENTS.

This Act clarifies the application of the marijuana establishment spacing requirement in § 1354(e), Title 4 of the Delaware Code, by specifying that the distance limitation applies only to retail marijuana licenses. The Act aligns the marijuana licensing framework with Delaware’s existing liquor-control statutes, which impose spacing requirements on consumer-facing retail outlets but not on upstream operations such as production or wholesale activities. By limiting the spacing requirement to retail licenses, the Act permits the co-location of non-retail marijuana operations, including cultivation, manufacturing, and testing facilities, while preserving the Commissioner’s full regulatory authority over licensing, inspection, and enforcement.]]> Thu, 19 Mar 2026 17:37:17 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142728 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 12 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO PERSONS QUALIFIED TO RECEIVE LETTERS TESTAMENTARY OR OF ADMINISTRATION.

This Act provides that a felon may receive letters testamentary, or of administration, when the Register of Wills permits it, in the Register’s discretion, upon good cause shown. ]]> Thu, 19 Mar 2026 17:34:39 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142729 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 19 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO EMPLOYER-SPONSORED MEETINGS OR COMMUNICATIONS.

This Substitute for House Bill No. 84 prohibits employers from requiring meetings or communications the purpose of which is to convey the employer’s political or religious views, including views regarding unionization. The Act enumerates several situations to which the prohibition does not apply, including the communication of religious views by a religious employer, the communication of political views by a political party or organization, and training required to comply with civil rights laws and occupational safety and health laws. The statute also clarifies that the following communications are outside the scope of the prohibition: (1) An employer communicating to its employees any information that the employer is required by law to communicate, but only to the extent of that legal requirement; (2) An employer communicating to its employees any information that is necessary for those employees to perform their job duties; (3) An institution of higher education, or any agent, representative, or designee of that institution, meeting with or participating in any communications with its employees that are part of coursework, any symposia, or an academic program at that institution; (4) An employer that is a public entity communicating to its employees any information related to a policy of the public entity or any law or regulation that the public entity is responsible for administering; and (5) A tax exempt organization, as defined under United States Internal Revenue Code § 501(c)(3) communicating with its employees about policy issues that are relevant to the organization, its mission, or the people the organization serves, provided such communication is done in a non-partisan manner. The provision is added to the existing chapter dealing with discrimination in employment, and the Department of Labor is empowered to investigate employer practices, make rules and regulations, and commence civil actions if necessary. The Department of Labor is instructed to update, within 90 days of the effective date of this Act, the notices it prepares for use by employers regarding unlawful discrimination in employment to include the provisions of this Act. ]]> Thu, 19 Mar 2026 17:34:14 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142970 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 9 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO ASSESSMENTS AND TAXATION OF STRUCTURES LOCATED ON LAND IN AGRICULTURAL, HORTICULTURAL, AND FOREST USE.

This Act is a substitute for and differs from Senate Bill No. 35 by making the following substantive changes from the original bill: 1. Establishes and provides additional clarity to the definition of “qualified farm structure” to include buildings such as poultry houses, barns, sheds, silos, commodity storage facilities, greenhouse and packing or cooling facilities. To qualify, these structures must be located on land devoted to agricultural, horticultural, or forest land, as already defined in this chapter. Notably, this definition excludes any dwelling units used as residences and any buildings that are used for commercial, industrial, or non-farm businesses. 2. Removes Sections 3 through 6 of Senate Bill No. 35 as unnecessary due to the new definition of “qualified farm structure.” 3. Includes the new definition of “qualified farm structure” to clarify that qualified farm structures are eligible for valuation within this chapter. 4. Establishes that qualified farm structures are to be valued using a cost approach method, with only 50% of the fair market value of these structures subject to tax. This reduced rate excludes any residential dwellings or structures used for commercial, industrial, or other non-farm business purposes. 5. Eliminates references to any proposed changes to § 8337 pertaining to the State Farmland Evaluation Advisory Committee that were originally considered in Senate Bill No. 35. This substitute also makes technical corrections to conform to the standards set by the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual. Agriculture is currently the leading industry in Delaware but as housing and other development occurs less farmland becomes available. For farmers in general, but in particular the small and medium sized farm owners, the real estate taxes imposed on their farm structures impose a significant financial impact and adversely affects their ability to survive. At least eighteen other states have recognized this problem and have through legislation provided real estate tax relief for qualified farm structures. ]]> Thu, 19 Mar 2026 17:32:50 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142890 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 14 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A TITLE IX COORDINATOR WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.

This Act establishes the position of a Title IX Coordinator in the Department of Education, whose purpose is statewide support, guidance, and oversight related to and providing for the enforcement of compliance with Title IX as it pertains to athletics in Delaware’s public schools serving grades 6 through 12. The Title IX Coordinator must do the following: 1) Offer annual Title IX training for school district and charter school Title IX coordinators, administrators, athletic directors, and coaches. 2) Provide non-legal technical Title IX assistance to school districts, schools, and charter schools, including model policies and best practices. 3) Collect and analyze data from school districts and charter schools to evaluate compliance with Title IX. 4) Identify, create, and maintain model Title IX policies and procedures. 5) Act as a liaison between public schools and federal agencies on updated rules and guidance. 6) Prepare a written report by December 1 of each year summarizing activities, findings, and recommendations for improving Title IX compliance and submit it to the Governor, General Assembly, and post publicly on the Department of Education website. This Act requires school districts and charter schools to annually post and report to the Department of Education the following information: 1) participation rates by sex in interscholastic and intramural athletics; 2) budget and expenditure information for boys’ and girls’ sports programs; and 3) other information determined necessary by the Coordinator to evaluate compliance. The Coordinator may issue systemic or school-specific non-legal guidance or request a school district, school, or charter school to engage in a strategic plan for improvement to address Title IX compliance. The Department of Education, in collaboration with the Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association, will establish rules and regulations to implement and enforce the Act. The Act provides that the Department of Education must request sufficient funding to support the Coordinator position and necessary upgrades to the Department’s data system to enable collection and analysis of athletics budget and expenditure data disaggregated by sex. ]]> Thu, 19 Mar 2026 16:46:01 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142893 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 30 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE CHILD AND DEPENDENT CARE EXPENSE TAX CREDIT.

Like House Bill No. 274, House Substitute for House Bill No. 274 increases the state child and dependent care expense tax credit from the current 50% match to a full 100% match with the federal child and dependent care expense tax credit. The substitute is different from House Bill No. 274 in that it makes this increase applicable to taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2027. This Act also makes technical corrections to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual. ]]> Thu, 19 Mar 2026 16:45:19 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142960 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 18 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATED TO INSURANCE AND POSTHUMOUS PROMOTIONS.

This Act provides that firefighters, law enforcement officers, and other first responders, who are covered persons under Title 18, Chapter 66 related to line of duty death benefits will also receive posthumous promotions.]]> Wed, 18 Mar 2026 17:00:14 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142944 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 16 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO HEALTH PLANNING AND RESOURCES MANAGEMENT AND THE DELAWARE HEALTH RESOURCES BOARD.

This 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. ]]> Tue, 17 Mar 2026 12:51:29 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142892 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 11 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO CRIMES AGAINST PUBLIC ORDER.

Like House Bill No. 272, this Substitute creates the new crime of "interference with reproductive health services or exercise of religion”, which is based on a substantially similar federal law (18 U.S.C. § 248). The Superior Court is vested with jurisdiction over criminal prosecutions of this offense. This Substitute for House Bill No. 272 adds clarification by defining “place of worship”. This Substitute also replaces the phrase “discourage any person from obtaining or providing reproductive health services” with “seek to persuade any person with respect to a reproductive health choice or the provision of reproductive health services.” Finally, this Substitute adds language modeled on the similar federal law to clarify that nothing in this law (1) prohibits expressive conduct, including peaceful picketing or demonstration, that is protected under either the U.S. or Delaware Constitution, (2) creates new remedies for interference with activities protected by the free speech or exercise clauses or limit any existing legal remedies for such interference, nor (3) provides exclusive criminal penalties or civil remedies with respect to conduct prohibited under this law.]]> Thu, 12 Mar 2026 18:58:08 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=141933 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 14 AND 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE SENIOR PROPERTY TAX CREDIT.

This Act raises the Senior property tax credit cap from $500 to $1000. ]]> Thu, 12 Mar 2026 16:53:24 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142940 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 11 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO ASSAULTS ON STATE EMPLOYEES AND OFFICERS.

This Act clarifies that the existing law, which makes it a Class D felony when a person intentionally causes physical injury to any state employee or officer, when that employee or officer is discharging or attempting to discharge a duty of employment or office, applies to elected officials. This Act provides that it is a Class D felony when the assault of the state employee or officer is related to the person’s official position, whether or not the person assaulted is on or off duty at the time. This Act also makes technical corrections to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual. ]]> Thu, 12 Mar 2026 12:41:02 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142869 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO PROJECT LABOR AGREEMENTS.

This Act requires that a contract advertised after September 30, 2026, relating to a public works project (project) with an aggregate cost of $5 million or more must include a project labor agreement with the Delaware Building and Construction Trades Council unless the project receives federal funding, the project is for highway construction, or there was only 1 bid for the craft under the contract. A project labor agreement is a type of collective bargaining agreement in the construction industry that is generally negotiated before construction begins. Project labor agreements are intended to provide a legally binding and enforceable contract primarily related to labor conditions and labor-management relations.]]> Thu, 12 Mar 2026 11:22:49 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142800 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 14 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKERS.

This Act provides that School Social Workers who have successfully passed the Association of Social Work Boards National Clinical Examination and hold a Licensed Clinical Social Worker License with a salary supplement. This Act also makes technical corrections to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual.]]> Wed, 11 Mar 2026 17:11:10 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142727 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATED TO AGRICULTURE.

This Act increases the size of the Governor’s Council on Agriculture from 7 to 9 members. The Act also requires that 1 member on the Council must be a livestock producer, and 1 member must be a farmer that is 40 years old or younger.]]> Wed, 11 Mar 2026 12:35:44 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142923 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 28 AND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO STUDENT ATHLETE PROTECTION.

Sports betting is legal in at least 39 states, including Delaware. The increase in sports betting has also seen an increase in threats to and harassment of student athletes. A September 2023 National Collegiate Athletic Association (“NCAA”) survey of campus administrators found 10% of Division I respondents said they were aware of student-athletes being harassed online or in person by someone with gambling interests. And, data from the 2024 March Madness indicated 1 in 3 high-profile student athletes received abusive messages from someone with a gambling interest. With the increase in student athlete harassment, the NCAA and others are urging states to take action. To that end, this Act seeks to protect student athletes from harassment by doing all of the following: (1) Creating a criminal offense of student athlete harassment. (2) Permitting a student athlete who is the victim of student athlete harassment to sue a person convicted of student athlete harassment. (3) Requiring the Director of the State Lottery Office (“Director”) to exclude a person from participating in the play of any table game, sports lottery game, video lottery game, or Internet lottery game in Delaware if the person is convicted of student athlete harassment. (4) Permitting the Director, on an emergency basis, to exclude a person from participating in the play of a sports lottery game if the Director finds the person threatened violence or harm against a student athlete if the threat is related to a sports lottery game. (5) Requiring the Director and Division of Gaming Enforcement to establish and publicize a method of receiving reports from a student athlete or a coach of an intercollegiate sport relating to student athlete harassment.]]> Tue, 10 Mar 2026 12:31:11 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142914 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 24 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE OFFER OF AN ULTRASOUND AND AUSCULTATION SERVICES BEFORE TERMINATING A PREGNANCY.

This Act requires a health-care practitioner to offer a patient ultrasound imaging and auscultation of fetal heart tone services before terminating a human pregnancy. The patient is free to choose not to view the ultrasound or listen to the auscultation of fetal heart tone. This Act is known as "The Woman's Right to Know Act.”]]> Thu, 05 Mar 2026 14:02:38 -0500 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142885 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 11 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE VICTIMS COMPENSATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

Like House Bill No. 174, this substitute enables family members of individuals who have died by suicide to receive support services through the present Victims Compensation Assistance Program through a Suicide Victims’ Assistance Fund. This Act takes effect on July 1 following its enactment into law and the appropriation of funds into the Suicide Victims’ Assistance Fund. This substitute differs from the original bill by removing language providing funding for the bill through surcharges on business, residential, wireless, and prepaid wireless services. Instead, this substitute calls for the Suicide Victims’ Assistance Fund to be funded through annual appropriations by the General Assembly. This substitute also imposes a cap on annual expenditures from the fund and requires proportional reductions to claim payments for the remainder of the year if expenditures are expected to exceed the cap or once 75% of appropriated funds have been disbursed. This Act also calls for the General Assembly to review the expenditure cap and adjust it as appropriate every two years, beginning in Fiscal Year 2028.]]> Thu, 05 Mar 2026 13:46:25 -0500 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142874 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 11 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO MODIFICATION OF SENTENCES OF INCARCERATION.

This bill excludes a person convicted and sentenced for a class A felony from being able to have their sentence of incarceration modified under § 4217 of Title 11.]]> Thu, 05 Mar 2026 13:46:22 -0500 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142873 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND CHAPTER 78, VOLUME 85 OF THE LAWS OF DELAWARE ENTITLED “AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 26 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND UTILITY RATES.”

Senate Bill No. 59 (Chapter 78, Volume 85 of the Laws of Delaware) was passed by the General Assembly on June 26, 2025, and signed by the Governor on July 16, 2025. Senate Bill No. 59 changed the standard applied by the Public Service Commission ("Commission") when deciding public utility rate cases. The standard applied before the enactment of Senate Bill No. 59 was the “business judgment rule” standard. Senate Bill No. 59 changed the standard applied by the Commission to the “prudence” standard. Forty-eight states in the United States apply the “prudence” standard when setting public utility rates, not the "business judgement rule" standard that has been applied in Delaware. Although Section 3 of Senate Bill No. 59 stated that the Act takes effect on January 1, 2026, following its enactment into law, it was the intent of the General Assembly that the Commission must apply the “prudence" standard retroactively in rate case decisions, where the public utility filed the rate case proceeding with the Commission during the period from the date of enactment of the legislation on July 16, 2025, through December 31, 2025. The “prudence” standard does not apply to any rate case proceeding filed by a public utility with the Commission before July 16, 2025. ]]> Thu, 26 Feb 2026 13:42:59 -0500 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=141901 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 15 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO PRIMARY ELECTIONS.

This Act moves the date of primary elections for statewide office, county office, and municipal office to the fourth Tuesday in April, which is the date of the presidential primary (in presidential election years). The dates for submitting and withdrawing notification of candidacy have been adjusted accordingly, as have the dates for notice of filing fees and background checks. Section 4 changes the “closed” period in which a voter is not allowed to change his or her political affiliation to match the 60-day limit in 15 Del. C. § 3189 for presidential primaries. This Act is applicable to all primary elections after December 31, 2026.]]> Thu, 29 Jan 2026 18:55:57 -0500 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=141740 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE OFFICE OF NEW AMERICANS.

This Act establishes the Office of New Americans to help improve the lives and economic prosperity of new Americans who come to Delaware and of all Delawareans generally.]]> Thu, 29 Jan 2026 17:48:46 -0500 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142844 Delaware - Committee A BOND AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS ACT OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE AND CERTAIN OF ITS AUTHORITIES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2027; AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS OF THE STATE; APPROPRIATING FUNDS FROM THE TRANSPORTATION TRUST FUND; AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF REVENUE BONDS OF THE DELAWARE TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY; APPROPRIATING SPECIAL FUNDS OF THE DELAWARE TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY; APPROPRIATING GENERAL FUNDS OF THE STATE; REPROGRAMMING CERTAIN FUNDS OF THE STATE; SPECIFYING CERTAIN PROCEDURES, CONDITIONS AND LIMITATIONS FOR THE EXPENDITURE OF SUCH FUNDS; AND AMENDING CERTAIN STATUTORY PROVISIONS.

This Bill is the Fiscal Year 2027 Bond and Capital Improvements Act.]]> Thu, 29 Jan 2026 12:30:36 -0500 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142846 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 30 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO DECREASING THE STATE'S REALTY TRANSFER TAX RATE OF TAXATION.

For conveyances having a property value of less than $350,000, the state will not assess a realty transfer tax. This Act also reduces the State's rate of realty transfer tax by 1/4% per year for 4 years, for residential property conveyances having a property value of $350,000 to $500,000.]]> Thu, 29 Jan 2026 12:30:36 -0500 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142843 Delaware - Committee AN ACT MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE EXPENSE OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2027; SPECIFYING CERTAIN PROCEDURES, CONDITIONS AND LIMITATIONS FOR THE EXPENDITURE OF SUCH FUNDS; AND AMENDING CERTAIN PERTINENT STATUTORY PROVISIONS.

This Bill is the Fiscal Year 2027 Appropriations Act.]]> Thu, 29 Jan 2026 11:08:08 -0500 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142812 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 24 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE INTERSTATE MASSAGE COMPACT.

This Act adopts the Interstate Massage Compact (“Compact”). The purpose of the Compact is to reduce the burdens on state governments and to facilitate and regulate the interstate practice of massage therapy by creating a framework for a multistate licensing program. The multistate licensing program provides increased value and mobility to licensed massage therapists, including military members and their spouses, and ensures safe, competent, and reliable massage therapy services are provided to the public. The Compact allows individuals residing in a state that joins the Compact (a “member state”) to apply, through the state, for a multistate license. A multistate license allows a qualifying licensee to practice massage therapy in all member states. Applicants for a multistate license must hold an unrestricted license to practice massage therapy in the applicant’s home state and must meet educational, national licensing examination, and background check requirements to qualify for a multistate license. Licensees must meet continuing competency requirements to qualify for renewal of a multistate license. Member states share information related to disciplinary actions against licensees, investigations of licensees, and anything that would disqualify a licensee from holding a multistate license so that each member state is aware if a licensee’s authority to practice is restricted or if the licensee is disqualified from practicing massage therapy. The Compact is effective on the seventh state enacting legislation to join the Compact. As of January 23, 2026, 5 states have enacted legislation adopting the Compact and legislation is pending in 5 states. This Act takes effect on the date of publication in the Register of Regulations of a notice by the Secretary of State that the Compact has been adopted by at least 7 states.]]> Wed, 28 Jan 2026 10:21:33 -0500 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142832 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 7 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO REGIONAL GREENHOUSE GAS INITIATIVE AND CO2 EMISSIONS TRADING PROGRAM AUCTION PROCEEDS.

Subchapter 11-A of Title 7 delineates the Regional Green House Gas initiative, including where proceeds from C02 allowance auctions shall be expended. This Act fixes the overall amount of proceeds directed to purposes currently in the Delaware Code to 2025 levels and instructs DNREC that any auction proceeds above 2025 levels be directed to a rebate program to defray the cost of electricity to ratepayers. Under this Act, DNREC would provide rebate proceeds to the appropriate electric utility or distribution company for payment in the form of electric bill reductions to retail electric customers.]]> Wed, 28 Jan 2026 10:20:51 -0500 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142823 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO DECREASE STATE SPENDING FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026.

This act cuts Fiscal Year 2026 state spending by 1% to alleviate any budgetary shortfall and avoid unnecessary tax law changes that damage the state's long-term finances.]]> Tue, 27 Jan 2026 13:22:34 -0500 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142822 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 11 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO CHILD ABUSE BY A PERSON IN A POSITION OF TRUST, AUTHORITY, OR SUPERVISION.

This bill creates the crime of child abuse by a person in a position of trust, authority, or supervision. This crime may be a class A, B, C, E, or F felony depending on the degree of injury to the victim and whether the defendant acted intentionally, recklessly, or knowingly.]]> Tue, 27 Jan 2026 13:22:34 -0500 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142815 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 23 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE DELAWARE MARINE EQUIPMENT RIGHT TO REPAIR ACT.

This bill promotes marine equipment owner choice and competition for repair and maintenance services by requiring manufacturers of marine equipment to make available to owners and independent repair providers, on fair and reasonable terms, the same documentation, parts, and tools used to diagnose, maintain, and repair such equipment created by the manufacturer for the purposes of repair.]]> Tue, 27 Jan 2026 13:22:34 -0500 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142781 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 14 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO DIVISION III EQUALIZATION FUNDING.

This Act sunsets the committee that reviews and makes recommendations on the equalization formula for school districts under § 1707(i) of Title 14 (§ 1707(i) committee) because the Public Education Funding Commission (PEFC), established under House Concurrent Resolution No. 2 (153rd General Assembly), is currently handling the functions under § 1707(i). The PEFC recommendations will include both how to equalize school funding and how to address equalization in the future. In addition, almost all of the members of the § 1707(i) committee are members of the PEFC but the membership of the PEFC also includes stakeholders who are not on the § 1707(i) committee. The PEFC is holding public meetings to discuss and make recommendations on the equalization formula and how to periodically review the formula.]]> Tue, 20 Jan 2026 20:24:00 -0500 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142784 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 21 AND TITLE 11 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO DRIVER'S LICENSE OR IDENTIFICATION CARD INFORMATION.

This Act, advocated by Eric Carpenter-Grantham and his mother Linda Carpenter-Grantham, promotes equitable treatment for individuals with nonapparent disabilities in interactions with law enforcement. Also referred to as "Eric's ID Law", this Act establishes the use of a butterfly symbol on state driver's licenses and identification cards to provide individuals with nonapparent disabilities to communicate their needs and circumstances. This Act requires the Division of Motor Vehicles to make available a notation on a driver’s license or identification card that indicates a person has a disability, including an intellectual or developmental disability. It also requires that police officer training include instruction on the notation and best practices for safe interactions during a traffic stop with a person with a nonapparent disability. Upon passage of the Act, the Division of Motor Vehicles is directed to consult with disability advocacy groups regarding the design of the notation and to conduct public outreach to make the availability of the notation known. The Act is effective immediately and to be implemented within 6 months of its enactment.]]> Tue, 20 Jan 2026 12:56:01 -0500 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142572 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 14 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO CHILD CARE LICENSING.

Like House Bill No. 204, this Substitute establishes a dedicated Child Care Complaint Investigation Unit within the Office of Child Care Licensing, under the Department of Education, to enhance timely, transparent, and accountable responses to complaints involving licensed child care providers. This Substitute deletes a duplicative requirement contained in House Bill No. 204 for the Child Care Complaint Investigation Unit, specifies that the Unit must coordinate with the Department of Children, Youth, and Family Services rather than the Division of Family services within that Department, and clarifies that the annual public report prepared by the Unit must comply with applicable privacy laws and regulations. This Substitute also requires that, like House Bill No. 204, the Department of Education use existing staff and resources for the Unit, but further specifies that the staff must be reclassified and salaries aligned with the schedule set forth in section 1305 of Title 14. This Substitute changes the implementation date contained in House Bill No. 204 from 90 days to 180 days. ]]> Thu, 15 Jan 2026 16:45:57 -0500 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142756 Delaware - Committee AN ACT PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE II AND ARTICLE III OF THE DELAWARE CONSTITUTION RELATING TO TERM LIMITS.

This Act is the first leg of a constitutional amendment that would create term limits for legislators and the Attorney General, Insurance Commissioner, Auditor of Accounts, and State Treasurer. Specifically, this Act provides: (1) That an individual may not be elected to be a Senator more than 5 times or a Representative more than 8 times. (2) That an individual may not be appointed or elected to serve more than 2 times each as the Attorney General, Insurance Commissioner, Auditor of Accounts, or State Treasurer. This Act takes effect on the passage of its second leg in the 154th General Assembly. Sections 3 and 4 of this Act make clear that holding an office before the implementation of this Act for that office will not be counted toward the newly instituted term limits. Amending the Delaware Constitution requires not only the passing of the changes in this Act, but also passage of the same changes after the next general election by the next General Assembly. This Act requires a greater than majority vote for passage because § 1 of Article XVI of the Delaware Constitution requires the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members elected to each house of the General Assembly to amend the Delaware Constitution.]]> Tue, 13 Jan 2026 18:13:06 -0500 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142767 Delaware - Committee AMENDING THE RULES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE 153RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY RELATING TO REPORTS, STUDIES, OR SIMILAR ITEMS REQUESTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OR THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

This Resolution amends the House of Representatives' Rules to have any report, study, or similar item that has been requested by the General Assembly or the House of Representatives be assigned to committee and posted online for a public hearing relating to the report, study, or item and its findings.]]> Tue, 13 Jan 2026 12:48:46 -0500 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142766 Delaware - Committee AMENDING THE RULES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE 153RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE RELATING TO FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY TRAINING.

This House Resolution requires every member of the House of Representatives that is not a member of the Joint Finance Committee or Joint Committee on Capital Improvement to complete financial responsibility training.]]> Tue, 13 Jan 2026 12:48:46 -0500 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142751 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 18 AND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO DEATH BENEFITS.

Like House Bill No. 2, House Substitute No. 1 for HB 2 makes technical corrections to § 5546 of Title 29 and increases from $7,000 to $8,000, both of the following: • The amount of the burial benefit under the State Employees’ Pension Plan. • The amount paid for funeral expenses for a member of a volunteer fire company, volunteer fire company ladies auxiliary, or a volunteer ambulance and rescue company. HS 1 for HB 2 differs from HB 2 because it changes the effective date to October 1, 2026, and because the enactment of Senate Bill No. 28 (85 Del. Laws, c. 215) on September 9, 2025, included all of the following: • The technical revisions to § 6750 of Title 18 that were also included in Section 2 of HB 2. • The transfer of § 6750 of Title 18 to § 6701A of Title 18, which was also included in House Amendment No. 1 to HB 2. • The enactment of § 6701A of Title 18, which was also included in HA 1 to HB 2.]]> Thu, 08 Jan 2026 12:12:48 -0500 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142743 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 14 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE FAIRNESS IN GIRLS’ SPORTS ACT.

This Act generally requires a student athlete to compete for athletic teams or in sports associated with the student athlete’s biological sex, as determined at or near birth and based on the student athlete’s birth certificate or other government record if a birth certificate is unobtainable. An exception is permitted to allow female athletes to compete in male sports if a corresponding female sport is not available. To facilitate this Act, a school district, charter school, or Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association member school must designate an athletic team or sport sponsored by the school district, charter school, or Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association member school based on the biological sex of students.]]> Thu, 08 Jan 2026 12:09:51 -0500 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142723 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND THE CHARTER OF THE CITY OF SEAFORD RELATING TO POLICE.

This Act amends the Charter of the City of Seaford relating to the City of Seaford Police Department (the “Department”) by adding the existing Chief of Police position and by more clearly outlining the organization, oversight, powers, and duties of the Department and its members. The Mayor appoints a Chief of Police, with the advice and consent of the City Council. The Chief of Police reports directly to the City Manager. The Chief of Police commands and supervises the Department and oversees the Department’s organization, administration, and operation. The Chief of Police may do all of the following: 1. Establish directives, rules, regulations, and policies necessary to effectively operate the Department. 2. Appoint, assign, promote, suspend, or dismiss members of the Department. The members of the Department have police powers and are conservators of the peace within the City of Seaford’s corporate limits. As allowed by state and local law, the members of the Department have police powers outside of the City of Seaford’s corporate limits. The members of the Department shall do all of the following: 1. Enforce all applicable federal, state, and local laws and ordinances. 2. Maintain public order. 3. Protect life and property. 4. Bring arrested individuals before the appropriate judicial authority. This Act also removes the misdemeanor penalty, imposed under the Charter, for a member of the Department neglecting or refusing to perform the member’s duties. This Act requires a greater than majority vote for passage because § 1 of Article IX of the Delaware Constitution requires the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members elected to each house of the General Assembly to amend a municipal charter.]]> Thu, 18 Dec 2025 14:03:13 -0500 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142736 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 30 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO AVIATION JET FUEL.

This Act disqualifies commercial airlines from receiving the aviation jet fuel tax exemption for economic development if they transport ICE detainees for deportation without meeting standards regarding presentation of judicial warrants and due process. This Act takes effect 30 days after its enactment into law.]]> Thu, 18 Dec 2025 14:02:44 -0500 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142735 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLES 11 AND 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO STATE PENSIONS AND CHILD SEXUAL OFFENSES.

This Act provides for forfeiture of the state’s contribution to a state, judicial, county, or municipal employee’s pension if that employee is convicted of a sexual offense against a child and the offense was in connection with or aided by the employee’s position. It further provides that if a state, judicial, county, or municipal employee is convicted of a sexual offense against a child and the Court finds the offense was committed in connection with or aided by the employee's position, the Court may assign portions of the employee’s pension to the victim of the crime for restitution. ]]> Thu, 18 Dec 2025 12:02:09 -0500 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142713 Delaware - Committee AN ACT PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO SECTION 9 OF ARTICLE II OF THE DELAWARE CONSTITUTION RELATING TO LEGISLATIVE RULES OF PROCEEDINGS.

This is the First Leg Constitutional Amendment to require a three-fifths vote to suspend rules.]]> Thu, 18 Dec 2025 12:02:06 -0500 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142710 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 30 AND TITLE 19 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION BY THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.

Section 1 of this Act prohibits Department of Finance employees from disclosing any information about the citizenship or immigration status of any person that is contained in a tax return, tax document, or Department of Finance document, without Attorney General approval or court order associated with a felony criminal investigation or as otherwise provided by law. It also makes such disclosure a misdemeanor. Section 2 of this Act prohibits the Department of Labor employees from disclosing information about the citizenship or immigration status of any person that is contained in or attached to any Department of Labor document or database without Attorney General approval or court order associated with a felony criminal investigation or as otherwise provided by law. It also makes such disclosure a misdemeanor. ]]> Thu, 18 Dec 2025 12:02:05 -0500 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142685 Delaware - Committee AN ACT RELATING TO TAXES IN THE 2025-2026 TAX YEAR.

This Act requires counties to void all tax bills already issued to taxpayers in the county for the 2025-2026 tax year and to reissue property and school tax bills for the 2025-2026 tax year using the previously assessed value of the real property for all property subject to county taxation under Part V of Title 9 and all property subject to the local school tax under Chapter 19 of Title 14. This requirement does not apply to tax bills for new construction completed during the 2025-2026 tax year. Within 10 days of enactment of this Act, school districts must deliver a new tax collection warrant to the county calculated using the previously assessed value of the real property for school tax, so tax bills for the 2025-2026 tax year can be reissued. The deadline for payment of the reissued tax bills is extended to October 30, 2025, and counties must refund or credit overpayments of taxes for the 2025-2026 tax year to taxpayers who submit payment in accordance with previous tax bill. A school district may request and borrow from State Division I funds in the event of a cash flow shortfall of local school funds due to the extension of the deadline for tax payments for the 2026 fiscal year.]]> Thu, 07 Aug 2025 16:43:52 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142688 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 9 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO TAX PAYMENTS.

This Act allows all 3 counties to accept tax payments on a quarterly or monthly basis.]]> Thu, 07 Aug 2025 16:43:52 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142686 Delaware - Committee AN ACT RELATING TO THE COLLECTION OF TAXES FOR REAL PROPERTY IN THE 2025-2026 TAX YEAR.

This Act is a short-term response to the recent tax reassessment that protects homeowners, who have received substantially increased property and school tax bills for the 2025-2026 tax year, from legal action while the General Assembly and New Castle County explore long-term solutions. Many Delaware homeowners have raised several troubling questions and concerns about the property reassessment process. After the reassessment, the tax burden has drastically shifted to homeowners, which has hit vulnerable groups the hardest, including seniors, low-income families, and long-term residents. This Act requires the tax collecting authority for New Castle County (“County”) to offer payment plans to all taxpayers to pay county property and school taxes assessed to residential properties for the 2025-2026 tax year. After offering the payment plan, the County must give a taxpayer at least 30 days from the date of the offer to enter into the payment plan. If a taxpayer enters into a payment plan and makes payments in compliance with the payment plan, the County may not collect the taxes owed out of the taxpayer’s real or personal property, including by filing a civil action to collect the taxes or by seizing or selling the taxpayer’s property. Additionally, the County may not charge fees, penalties, or interest on taxes owed by taxpayers who make payments in compliance with the payment plan. This Act sunsets on December 31, 2026, unless otherwise provided by a subsequent Act of the General Assembly. But the prohibitions on collecting taxes out of the taxpayer’s real or personal property and on charging fees, penalties, or interest on taxes continue to apply to payment plans that extend on or beyond December 31, 2026, so long as the taxpayer remain in compliance with the payment plan.]]> Thu, 07 Aug 2025 16:43:52 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142687 Delaware - Committee DIRECTING THE DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE OF STATE PLANNING COORDINATION, THE DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET, THE SECRETARY OF FINANCE, THE CONTROLLER GENERAL, THE SECRETARY OF EDUCATION, AND THE SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TECHNOLOGY AND INFORMATION TO DEVELOP RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE STATEWIDE UNIFORM REASSESSMENT OF REAL PROPERTY AND TO PROVIDE A REPORT OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE GOVERNOR AND THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

This Resolution directs the Director of the Office of State Planning Coordination, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, the Secretary of Finance, the Controller General, the Secretary of Education, and the Secretary of the Department of Technology and Information to provide the Governor and the General Assembly with recommendations on how the State can better support future property tax reassessments, drawing upon recommendations made in the 2008 report resulting from HJR 22 and best practices from neighboring and similar states to Delaware.]]> Thu, 07 Aug 2025 16:43:52 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142689 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 14 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO LOCAL SCHOOL TAXES.

Section 1 of this Act requires modifications to exemptions from county taxation to reasonably reflect changes in property value and inflation. This Act also requires New Castle County to use the same eligibility criteria and calculation formula for exemption from school taxes that it used for county taxes as of June 1, 2025. Section 2 of this Act provides that upon passage of House Bill No. 242 of the 153rd General Assembly, the expanded school tax exemption will be applied during the 2025-2026 tax year in any New Castle County School district that reissues its tax warrant in accordance with House Bill No. 242. ]]> Thu, 07 Aug 2025 16:43:52 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142682 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 14 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO LIMITATION ON PUBLIC SCHOOLS' TAX RATE AFTER GENERAL REASSESSMENT.

This Act removes the up to 10% increase in school property taxes allowed after reassessment This Act takes effect July 1, 2025, and applies to all public school tax rates after July 1, 2025.]]> Thu, 07 Aug 2025 16:43:52 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142678 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 14 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO SCHOOL TAXES.

This Act authorizes school districts to set different tax rates for residential and non-residential property. The non-residential rate must be at least as great as the residential rate and may be no more than twice the residential rate. The school district must set both rates so that it is not realizing any more revenue than it was authorized to collect by law if it were using a single tax rate. This Act also makes a change to the additional amount a school board may approve to the tax rate to account for delinquencies and costs of collection. Under current law a school board is required to add 10% to its authorized tax rate for delinquencies and costs of collection. This Act allows, but does not require, a school board to add up to 10% to its tax rate for delinquencies and costs of collection. Technical corrections are also made to align these sections with the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual. ]]> Thu, 07 Aug 2025 16:43:52 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=141963 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 14 AND TITLE 15 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO RECOUNTS OF BALLOTS IN ELECTIONS.

This Act establishes a uniform threshold and procedure for a recount after a primary or general election for a statewide office, State Senator, State Representative, county office, the City of Wilmington, or school district elections. Under this Act, a recount will be conducted if the difference in the number of votes is 1% or less. This Act makes the following changes to current law: • Eliminates the need for a candidate to request a recount after a general election for statewide office, State Senator, State Representative, county office, or office in the City of Wilmington. • Eliminates the need for 25 voters to petition for a recount in school district elections. • Establishes a clear threshold for a recount equal to a difference of 1% or less of the votes cast. Changing the recount threshold to 1% or less will likely be a substantive change to existing law only for statewide elections and county-wide offices in New Castle County. Current law allows a recount after a primary or general election for a statewide office, State Senator, State Representative, county office, or office in the City of Wilmington if the number of votes separating 2 candidates is less than 1,000 votes or ½ of 1% of all of the votes cast for the 2 candidates, whichever is less. • Based on the number of votes cast in the most recent elections, ½ of 1% and 1% of the votes cast will almost always be under 1,000 for State Senator, State Representative, county office, or office in the City of Wilmington. • For statewide offices or county-wide offices in New Castle County, ½ of 1% will almost always be more than 1,000 votes so changing the threshold to 1% or less will allow for recounts after more elections for these offices. Similarly, under existing law, a recount may be requested in a school district election if the difference in the election of a school board member or in the outcome of an election regarding taxes, standard school construction, or bonds is less than 10 votes or ½ of 1% of the total vote, whichever is larger. Both 1% and ½ of 1% of the votes cast will almost always be more than 10 votes. This Act also makes technical corrections to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual, including revisions to align § 1083 of Title 14 with the current responsibilities and practices of the Department of Elections. This Act does not need a super-majority because this Act does not change the City of Wilmington’s authority under its charter because in 1955, the General Assembly enacted 50 Del. Laws. c. 390, § 9, which clearly provides that Chapters 31 and 57 of Title 15 are applicable to the holding of elections in the City of Wilmington.]]> Tue, 01 Jul 2025 02:03:57 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142661 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 30 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE DELAWARE ENTERTAINMENT JOB ACT.

The Delaware Entertainment Job Act is intended to encourage jobs creation, artistic endeavors and investment in the film, television, esports and videogame industry in the State of Delaware, and the attendant benefits for the economy and job growth. Delaware is one of the only states in the Mid-Atlantic and country without some form of tax credit at a time when production of original content for streaming and at theaters is at an all-time high. Thirty-three states have some sort of production incentive. This legislation will provide for a thirty-percent, transferable tax credit for an investment in the state in a film, television, esports or videogame production. All qualified productions will be required to have an audit of their expenditures following the completion of production in the state before any credits will be awarded. Further, all qualified productions will be required to provide training through an internship program so that citizens may be able to gain a valuable trade. The credits will be administered by the Delaware Film, Television, and Digital Entertainment Office in cooperation with Department of Finance.]]> Mon, 30 Jun 2025 12:53:27 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142660 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 3 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO COMPOSTING.

This Act allows for the composting of yard waste, food residuals and other organic materials on property zoned for agricultural purposes.]]> Mon, 30 Jun 2025 12:53:27 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142651 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 4 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO MARIJUANA ESTABLISHMENT LICENSES.

This Act prohibits the issuance of an open license for a retail facility upon the expiration of a conversion license if the location of the retail facility would be in violation of the law of a municipality under § 1351 of this title.]]> Fri, 27 Jun 2025 14:53:10 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142644 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 25 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO SUMMARY POSSESSION.

This Act increases the notice period during which notice of a hearing and complaint must be served in an action for summary possession from between 5 and 30 days to between 5 and 90 days prior to the time at which the complaint is to be heard.]]> Thu, 26 Jun 2025 12:45:37 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142010 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO REPORTS FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE TO THE DELAWARE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, GOVERNOR, AND OFFICE OF LEGISLATIVE SERVICES REGARDING UNDOCUMENTED RESIDENTS.

This Act requires the Division of Civil Rights and Public Trust of the Department of Justice to submit a quarterly report to the General Assembly, Governor, and Office of Legislative Services detailing any request from a federal agency or entity for assistance from any State law enforcement agency related to any of the following: a. Information about the issuance of any driving privilege card from the Department of Transportation or Division of Motor Vehicles. b. Continuation or discontinuation of the Department of Education’s migrant education program and ensuring funding is set aside by the state in the event federal funding for migrant education is terminated. c. Stopping any individual based purely on suspicion of undocumented status. d. Assisting any federal immigration or law enforcement agency from any activity or operation in any school or church. e. School Resource Officer or constable assistance or participation in any federal law enforcement activity related to immigration. f. Dissemination of information about an undocumented student from the Department of Education and any Delaware school district. g. Release of information about an undocumented resident from the Department of Finance or Division of Revenue. ]]> Wed, 25 Jun 2025 21:42:27 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142620 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLES 19 AND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO CRAFT TRAINING REQUIREMENTS IN PUBLIC WORKS CONTRACTS.

Apprenticeship and workplace-based training are “earn while you learn” systems that offer young people the chance to learn from the best trained construction workers in Delaware. Skilled craft apprenticeship programs offer the necessary capacities, resources, and flexibility needed to help low-income, minority, and female workers achieve and retain construction careers, while simultaneously assisting local construction employers obtain the skilled workforce they need to help drive growth in their local labor markets. This bill removes the “buy-out” for contractors to avoid participating in apprentice programs by paying into the Apprenticeship and Training Fund created in 2021. This “buy-out” benefits bad actors or those businesses only coming into Delaware to work on state taxpayer-funded projects whereas most Delaware merit shops and 100 percent of union shops have apprentice and training programs. The “buy out” also incentivizes contractors or never create training because the maximum cost of the buy-out is less than the cost to operate, fund, or participate in an apprentice program.]]> Tue, 24 Jun 2025 20:58:09 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142613 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 10 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO AUDIO RECORDING OF PROCEEDINGS IN THE COURT OF CHANCERY.

This Act requires the Court of Chancery, beginning January 1, 2027, to audio record all public proceedings and make such recordings publicly available. Such recordings must be made available within a reasonable time after the conclusion of the proceeding. The presiding judicial officer may, for good cause shown, restrict public access to an audio recording in whole or in part.]]> Tue, 24 Jun 2025 12:46:25 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142435 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO PENSIONS FOR RETIRED STATE EMPLOYEES.

This Act increases the monthly service, disability, and survivor pension for retired State employees. For pensions effective on or before June 30, 2005, the increase is 3%. For pensions effective after June 30, 2005, the increase is 2%.]]> Fri, 20 Jun 2025 12:38:35 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142477 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 6 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO MULTILEVEL DISTRIBUTION COMPANIES.

This Act defines a multilevel distribution company and multilevel marketing program for purposes of this Subchapter. It sets forth mandatory disclosures that must be made by a multilevel distribution company to any potential purchaser that discloses details about the company, sometimes based on certain representations that the company makes. It sets forth that a multilevel distribution company may not require a participant in its marketing program to buy a good or service or pay any other consideration to participate in the marketing program unless it agrees to repurchase the goods, under certain conditions. It provides cancellation rights and guidelines. It permits a civil penalty to be imposed for violations of the required disclosures. It provides a private right of action for violation of the repurchase requirement, including treble damages, attorneys’ fees and costs to be awarded for a prevailing plaintiff. House Substitute No. 1 for House Bill 162 is different from the original in that it reduces some disclosure requirements, specifically the timing, the number of participants who have received the earnings in the amount or range specified within the last 3 years and the total number of participants who have entered into the contract with the seller within the last 3 years; introduces the standard of “clear and conspicuous” for disclosures while removing some specific requirements such as font size to allow for flexibility with a standard; and places the Act in a separate subchapter of Title 6. ]]> Tue, 17 Jun 2025 20:20:27 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142529 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 30 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO PERSONAL INCOME TAX.

Like under House Bill No. 13 (HB 13) and House Substitute No. 1 for HB 13 (HS 1 for HB 13), this Act adjusts the existing personal income tax brackets and applicable tax rates. Under this Act, for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025, taxable income between $60,000 and $150,000 will continue to be taxed at a rate of 6.6%, but taxable income above $150,000 will be taxed at higher rates. The result of the changes under this Act will be that those with a taxable income of $188,500 or less will see no increase in personal income taxes, with 94% of Delaware taxpayers receiving an overall tax decrease. Like HS 1 for HB 13, House Substitute No. 2 for HB 13 differs from HB 13 as follows: • Creates additional tax brackets for taxable income not in excess of $60,000. • Decreases the tax rate for all tax brackets for taxable income not in excess of $60,000. • Creates 3 additional tax brackets for taxable income above $60,000 instead of 2. • Names this Act the “The John Kowalko, Jr., Fairness in Taxation Act”. In addition, House Substitute No. 2 for HB 13 differs from HS 1 for HB 13 as follows: • Further decreases the tax rate for all tax brackets for taxable income not in excess of $60,000. • Revises the tax brackets so that tax rates increase for taxable income above $150,000 instead of $125,000. • Adjusts the personal income tax filing threshold to align with the revised tax brackets. • Makes technical corrections to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual.]]> Tue, 17 Jun 2025 12:48:01 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142519 Delaware - Committee DIRECTING THE STATE FARMLAND ADVISORY COMMISSION TO COMPLETE A STUDY ON TAXATION OF FARM STRUCTURES AND AGRICULTURAL LAND.

This Joint Resolution directs the State Farmland Advisory Commission to complete a study on how other states assess property and structures devoted to agricultural, horticulture, and forest use and report its findings and recommendations by March 2, 2026.]]> Thu, 12 Jun 2025 19:14:50 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142526 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 25 RELATING TO THE LANDLORD-TENANT CODE.

This Act identifies evidence that communications were sent relating to a security deposit. It also allows for the required communications to be sent electronically if it can be shown by the party utilizing electronic communications that the parties regularly communicated by a particular method and that the electronic communication was received by the other party.]]> Thu, 12 Jun 2025 19:14:38 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142255 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO LANGUAGE ACCESS TO GOVERNMENT WEBSITES.

This Act requires that all State government websites are accessible in any language spoken by at least .5% of the overall population of Delaware. A link to the translated website must be prominently placed on each English version of the website. State websites may use machine translation services to translate websites so long as the website provides a disclaimer as to the accuracy of the text. ]]> Thu, 12 Jun 2025 18:40:15 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142443 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE DELAWARE DIABETES WELLNESS PILOT PROGRAM WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES TO STUDY PREDIABETIC AND DIABETIC WELL CARE.

This Act provides a roadmap via an observational study on a small but representative group of diabetic patients to change standard healthcare from current reactive “sick care” to proactive “well care”. This will be accomplished by using a Delaware health system combined with a technology partner to regularly test, measure and manage, and incentivize diabetic patients and their providers to improve the health outcomes for Delawareans and drive down health care costs. The length of the observational study will be 3 years. During that time, data analysis will track results to determine if this Pilot Program shall be renewed and expanded.]]> Thu, 12 Jun 2025 18:39:26 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142506 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 10 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO SERVICE OF PROCESS.

This Act creates the legal framework for serving a correctional officer when they are employed by the State and when they are no longer employed by the State. ]]> Wed, 11 Jun 2025 19:15:15 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142513 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 11 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO PROBATION AND SENTENCING PROCEDURES.

This Act is a substitute for Senate Bill No. 8. Like Senate Bill No. 8, this Act codifies the standard conditions of probation to be used by the courts and the Department of Correction. This Act differs from Senate Bill No. 8 by doing all of the following: (1) Making clear that an individual on probation who is a person prohibited under § 1448 of Title 11 of the Delaware Code may not own, possess, or be in control of a firearm or deadly weapon. (2) Making a technical correction. (3) Adding additional standard conditions requiring the individual on probation to not possess or consume a controlled substance, to be subject to testing for a controlled substance, and to comply with a curfew established by the individual’s probation and parole officer.]]> Wed, 11 Jun 2025 19:14:12 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142283 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 11 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO POSTCONVICTION REMEDY.

This Act updates Title 11 of the Delaware Code concerning postconviction remedies relating to DNA testing and evidence. Specifically, the Act removes the limitations currently in the Delaware Code (1) that a person convicted of a crime must seek DNA testing within 3 years after the conviction is final and (2) that a person convicted of a crime may not seek DNA testing or a new trial based on DNA evidence if direct appellate review is available. In addition, the Act requires the court to grant a motion for the performance of DNA testing if certain criteria are satisfied. The Act also permits persons who entered a guilty plea, in addition to persons convicted of a crime, to seek DNA testing, and allows for DNA testing where evidence was previously subjected to testing but additional testing of that evidence provides a reasonable likelihood of results that are more probative. The Act changes the standard applicable for a motion for a new trial based on DNA evidence. Instead of requiring a showing by clear and convincing evidence that no reasonable trier of fact would have convicted the person, the under the Act, the court must grant a new trial up a showing of a reasonable probability that there would have been a different outcome or no conviction, had the DNA evidence been presented before or during trial or before the date of entry of a plea. Finally, the Act makes technical corrections to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual. This Act is a substitute for and differs from Senate Bill 57 in that it clarifies that the DNA testing may be performed on evidence secured in relation to the investigation, and is not limited to evidence secured in relation to the trial. In addition, this Act removes a requirement that the movant show that the evidence was not previously subject to testing because the technology for testing was not available at the time of trial. Finally, this Act requires the court to grant a new trial if the standard is satisfied, rather than leaving it to the court's discretion.]]> Mon, 09 Jun 2025 15:15:57 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142440 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO A TRANSPORTATION APPEALS BOARD.

This Act creates a Transportation Appeals Board (“Board”) within the Delaware Department of Transportation (“DelDOT”). The Board is a quasi-judicial body that hears appeals of DelDOT actions such as grants or denials of transportation-related permits. The Board consists of 7 members (2 from each county and a Chair) who are appointed by the Governor for terms of up to 3 years. The Governor is initially permitted to appoint members for less than 3 years to ensure that terms expire on a staggered basis. A Board member can serve no more than 2 consecutive full terms. This Act also adds the newly created Board to the list of agencies to which Chapter 101 of Title 29, regarding administrative procedures, applies. In creating the Transportation Appeals Board, which is modeled on and intended to function like the Environmental Appeals Board in Title 7, this Act gives businesses and members of the public who are substantially affected by DelDOT actions a process by which they can appeal those actions. Under that process, a party aggrieved by a DelDOT decision has 20 days from receipt or publication of the decision to appeal to the Board. Within 30 days of receiving that appeal, the Board must schedule a hearing on the matter, which must be conducted within 180 days following the receipt of the appeal, and must be conducted in accordance with Chapter 101 of Title 29. The Board then has 90 days to give a written decision. If the aggrieved party disagrees with the Board’s decision, that party may, within 30 days of the Board’s decision, make an appeal to the Superior Court.]]> Thu, 05 Jun 2025 11:19:32 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142425 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 14 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES UNIT AND FUNDING.

House Bill No. 100 of the 151st General Assembly, House Bill No. 200 of the 152nd General Assembly, and House Bill No. 300 of the 151st General Assembly created dedicated mental health services units for purposes of funding the hire of mental health professionals in Delaware public schools. This Act updates the list of positions that may be funded through mental health services unit funding to include registered nurses authorized to practice by the Delaware Board of Nursing, board-certified assistant behavior analysts, and board-certified behavior analysts. Currently, such professionals may provide mental health services to Delaware students and are employed by Delaware school districts and charter schools, but these positions may not be funded under Title 14 through mental health services units. This Act expands flexibility and further support for school districts and charter schools to meet the needs of Delaware students by adding registered nurses that practice in schools, board-certified assistant behavior analysts, and board-certified behavior analysts to the list of positions that may be funded as described in Chapter 17 of Title 14 of the Delaware Code. This Act also makes technical corrections to confirm to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting manual. ]]> Thu, 05 Jun 2025 11:18:48 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142419 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE OFFICE OF DEFENSE SERVICES.

This Act codifies the longstanding custom and practice in Delaware of compensating Deputy Attorneys General and Assistant Public Defenders comparably. This Act is also consistent with the American Bar Association’s Ten Principles of a Public Defense Delivery System which states: “The compensation for lawyers working for Public Defense Providers should be appropriate for and comparable to other publicly funded lawyers. Full-time public defender salaries and benefits should be no less than the salaries and benefits for full-time prosecutors.” Finally, this Act codifies the continuing belief in Delaware that comparable compensation is necessary to achieve equal justice under law. ]]> Thu, 05 Jun 2025 11:18:06 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142418 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 18 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO DISTRIBUTIONS TO FIRE COMPANIES AND DEPARTMENTS.

This Act allows fire companies or departments to merge or consolidate without reduction of the fire company or department’s share of tax on insurance premiums for covering risks of loss on any real or personal property. ]]> Thu, 05 Jun 2025 11:10:00 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142411 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 21 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO INSPECTION OF MOTOR VEHICLES.

This bill prohibits the Department of Transportation from refusing to register or renew the registration of a vehicle solely based upon the vehicle's computer codes indicating the vehicle may have some non-emission related problem.]]> Thu, 05 Jun 2025 11:10:00 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142392 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE REDISTRICTING OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

The constitutional requirement to create new legislative districts following the U.S. Census was intended to ensure equal representation at all levels of government. However, Delaware’s current process of redistricting is deeply flawed. It allows the majority party in each legislative chamber to gerrymander state legislative maps in a self-serving attempt to preserve and expand partisan political power. All other considerations have become secondary in this process. This defect is common to many states and some have tried to address the issue by creating election commissions charged with redrawing legislative lines. The challenge in such a system is ensuring that these commissions can conduct their function in a balanced, objective, and non-partisan fashion. This bill proposes a new method that avoids this significant hurdle by leveraging partisan self-interest to create a protocol that results in an equitable outcome. This fresh approach to reapportionment is described in a paper by 3 Carnegie Mellon University professors entitled: “A Partisan Districting Protocol with Provably Nonpartisan Outcomes.” It utilizes a system analogous to a proven, prudent method for instructing 2 children to fairly divide a piece of cake between themselves. The first child cuts the cake, while the second has the option of selecting which piece he or she wishes to consume. In the protocol outlined in this bill, the two competing parties are the partisan caucuses of each General Assembly chamber. The first caucus will initially draw all the legislative districts, observing established legal redistricting standards. The second caucus will have the ability to “freeze” a set number of the districts, locking their boundaries into place. They will then be able to redraw the remaining districts as they wish, delivering the new maps back to the first caucus. This group will then also engage in the freeze and redraw process, with the cycles continuing until all the districts have been defined. With both sides getting equal “bites of the apple,” each has a practical ability to affect the outcome and a reason to work together to achieve a mutually acceptable conclusion. The bill also includes safeguards to ensure public notification and participation in the process, as well as a contingency to allow the judicial branch to draw the new legislative maps should the General Assembly be unable to achieve the task. This legislation assumes calling the General Assembly into special session to approve the finalized maps, providing enough time for the process to be conducted in a deliberative manner.]]> Thu, 05 Jun 2025 11:10:00 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142401 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 30 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO BUSINESS TAX CREDITS AND DEDUCTIONS FOR ELECTRICITY PRODUCTION.

The purpose of this bill is to incentivize the construction and operation of a limited number of high-efficiency Combined-Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) electrical generation facilities, with an output of between 100 MW and 500 MW, by creating an Electricity Production Tax Credit (EPTC) and bonus credits. These credits would offset state corporate tax liability while facilitating the increased availability of clean, cost-effective, high-efficiency, and energy production. CCGT power plants are proven technology that can provide significant dispatchable power production to meet Delaware’s growing need for dependable energy, while promoting grid stability that will enable the integration of renewable energy generation. Having the CCGT facilities built within Delaware will improve the energy security of our citizens while reducing power transmission charges and energy loss. The value of the Electricity Production Tax Credit (EPTC) can be increased via bonus credits if the CCGT power-generating facility is built on a brownfield or the current or former site of a power plant. Additional bonus credits can be earned if the plant’s operation exceeds certain high-efficiency thresholds and if it incorporates carbon-capture technology into the design. The value of the credits realized by the facility operator would result from the quantity of electricity delivered. Most CCGT plants operate at a capacity factor of 50% to 85%. A 500 MW power plant, operating within these margins, would be expected to produce somewhere between 2.2 million and 3.7 million MWh per year. At a maximum annual 65% production capacity, a 500 MW plant could serve the needs of approximately 210,000 homes. The total value of the credits for each eligible facility receiving the tax credits established under this bill is limited to $15 million annually. The number of facilities eligible for the tax credits established under this bill will be no more than three statewide. ]]> Thu, 05 Jun 2025 11:10:00 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142377 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 11 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY.

This Act requires sex offenders, as part of their obligation to register due to their criminal conviction and sentencing, to disclose whether their residences or anticipated residences have a child residing within that residence. The Act further permits a law-enforcement agency to notify a non-custodial parent that their child or children were identified by a sex offender as either living in the sex offender’s current residence or anticipated residence. ]]> Thu, 22 May 2025 18:35:33 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142018 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 30 OF THE DELAWARE CODE AND CHAPTER 118 OF VOLUME 83 OF THE LAWS OF DELAWARE RELATING TO PERSONAL INCOME TAXES.

This Act increases the refundable earned income tax credit to 20% of the corresponding federal earned income tax credit for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2025, and clarifies that a previously enacted refundable earned income tax credit of 4 1/2% of the corresponding federal earned income tax credit took effect for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2021.]]> Thu, 22 May 2025 18:29:24 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142205 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 31 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO DENTAL CARE FOR ADULT MEDICAID RECIPIENTS.

This Act requires the Department of Health and Social Services to submit a Medicaid State Plan Amendment to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to be allowed to provide comprehensive dental benefits to Medicaid-eligible adults. ]]> Wed, 21 May 2025 16:43:57 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142365 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 19 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE INSURANCE PROGRAM.

This bill changes the definition of employer in the Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program to exclude anyone who employs less than 25 employees in this State. ]]> Wed, 21 May 2025 12:40:29 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142354 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 10 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO COMMISSIONERS OF THE DELAWARE STATE FIRE COMMISSION.

This Act adds the Commissioners of the Delaware State Fire Commission as an agency that can recognize an individual as a critical incident stress management team member for purposes of determining whether certain communications are confidential under § 4319 of Title 10. The Act also allows for the Board of Commissioners and the Executive Director of the Delaware State Fire Commission to qualify a first responder as a trained peer support member for purposes determining whether certain communications are confidential under § 4319 of Title 10.]]> Tue, 20 May 2025 18:50:45 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142049 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 6 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO CREDIT CARD TRANSACTIONS.

This Act prohibits a seller that regularly accepts payment by credit card from (1) imposing a credit card surcharge greater than the percentage processing fee charged by the credit card company, for transactions of $1,500 or less, and (2) refusing to accept payment by credit card or imposing any credit card surcharge, for transactions that exceed $1,500.]]> Thu, 15 May 2025 18:47:18 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142313 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 24 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE DENTIST AND DENTAL HYGIENIST COMPACT.

This Act adopts the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact.]]> Thu, 15 May 2025 18:45:14 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142165 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 10, TITLE 11, AND TITLE 21 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE ELIMINATION OF CERTAIN FEES.

Delaware relies on fees imposed as surcharges by the criminal legal system to generate revenue for government services. These criminal fees can be an unstable revenue generator, especially when there are recessions, pandemics, or other major economic events. This Act repeals three fees that currently fund videophone systems used by state and local agencies, personnel, equipment, and training expenses related to judicial branch security, and victim notification initiatives. The elimination of these fees was recommended by the Criminal Legal System Imposed Debt Study Group created by House Bill 244, as amended by House Amendment No 2, of the 151st General Assembly, in its December 7, 2023 report. The Criminal Legal System Imposed Debt Study Group also recommended replacement of lost revenue for affected agencies as needed with General Funds. In repealing these fees, the General Assembly intends to eliminate any outstanding balances owed on these fees.]]> Thu, 15 May 2025 17:06:29 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142308 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 24 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO DRY NEEDLING.

This Act authorizes physician assistants, occupational therapists, and nurse practitioners to practice dry needling. This Act sets forth requirements and limitations pertaining to the practice of dry needling. Dry needling may not be performed without a physician referral, and physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and occupational therapists may not hold themselves out as acupuncturists unless they are licensed acupuncturists.]]> Thu, 15 May 2025 13:16:10 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142305 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE SITE READINESS FUND.

This Act allows an applicant who seeks to create affordable housing to apply for Site Readiness Funds so long as the applicant demonstrates that the affordable housing will increase economic development in the State. ]]> Thu, 15 May 2025 13:16:10 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142271 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 7 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL.

This Act prohibits the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control from promulgating rules and regulations restricting the sale of fuel-powered cars, trucks, and SUVs in Delaware. This Act does not change the emission standards fuel-powered vehicles must currently meet. The provisions of this bill would be retroactive to March 1, 2023.]]> Tue, 13 May 2025 18:27:01 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142253 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO GRANTS-IN-AID.

This bill creates the Grants-In-Aid Committee. The Committee is a joint committee of the Senate and House of Representatives. The purpose of the Committee is to view applications for grants-in-aid and to develop and recommend to the Joint Finance Committee the grants-in-aid appropriations bill.]]> Tue, 13 May 2025 18:25:56 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142249 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 13 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS AND ADOPTION PROCEEDINGS.

This Act creates a right to free legal counsel for certain relatives seeking to terminate parental rights and adopt a child in the relative’s family who has been in the custody of the Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families (“Department”). The right to free legal counsel applies at all stages of the termination of parental rights proceedings, including any appeals. This Act also requires the Department or a licensed agency with which the Department contracts to prepare and file the social study and report required as part of the termination of parental rights and adoption proceedings at no cost to the relative. To qualify for free legal counsel, all of the following must be true: 1. The petitioner must be a relative of the child. Relative means as defined in § 1101 of Title 13. 2. The petitioner has guardianship of the child who is the subject of the termination of parental rights and adoption petitions. 3. The guardianship order was entered in favor of the petitioner when the child was in Department custody and is in effect throughout the termination of parental rights and adoption proceedings. 4. The petitioner filed the guardianship petition that resulted in the guardianship order on or after July 1, 2026. 5. The Family Court determines that the petitioner is indigent. This Act is a substitute for and differs from Senate Bill No. 79 in 2 ways. First, it adds an indigency requirement that the petitioner must meet to qualify for free legal counsel in termination of parental rights and adoption proceedings. Second, it provides that free legal counsel for guardians seeking termination of parental rights and adoption is only available if the underlying petition for guardianship of the child is filed on or after July 1, 2026, when this Act goes into effect.]]> Tue, 13 May 2025 18:25:44 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142185 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 10 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO HOMELESSNESS.

Because Delaware lacks an adequate amount of emergency shelter beds, housing support services, and affordable housing units, only 952 out of 7,131 households that contacted the Housing Alliance Delaware’s homelessness hotline in 2024 were referred to housing assistance. Without adequate shelter available, thousands of individuals experiencing homelessness are forced to seek shelter on the streets, parks, parking lots, and sidewalks, which puts them in constant conflict with local residents, businesses, and the police. Instead of providing adequate housing, local governments are using emergency services, hospital services, and the criminal justice system to remove unhoused individuals from public spaces, exacerbating the barriers unhoused individuals face to achieve stable housing and wasting taxpayer money. This Act seeks to incentivize localities to coordinate or create adequate emergency housing, permanent housing, and wrap-around services for individuals experiencing homelessness, which will ease the financial burden placed on emergency services, hospitals, and the criminal justice system, while providing unhoused individuals stability and dignity. To that end, this Act does the following: 1. Permits an individual experiencing homelessness to conduct life sustaining activities in public, so long as such activities do not obstruct the normal movement of pedestrian or vehicular traffic in such a manner that creates a hazard to others, unless adequate alternative indoor space is available to the individual in a given jurisdiction and has been offered to the individual, including transportation for the individual and their belongings. 2. Mandates that an individual experiencing homelessness receive the same degree of protection for personal property stored in public places as personal property stored in a private dwelling, which includes protections against unreasonable search and seizure. 3. Prohibits the State or local jurisdiction from requiring an individual experiencing homelessness to move a motor vehicle or a recreational vehicle provided that the vehicle is parked on public property and the vehicle is not parked in a position to obstruct the normal movement of traffic or create a hazard to other traffic upon the highway. 4. Provides that, if a motor vehicle or recreational vehicle must be moved because the vehicle is obstructing normal movement of traffic or creates a hazard to other traffic on the roadway, the individual experiencing homelessness must be permitted to relocate the vehicle before a parking ticket is issued or the vehicle is towed. This Act does not prohibit State and local governments from making and enforcing reasonable time restrictions on public spaces (including public parks and parking lots) so long as those time restrictions apply to everyone and are not disproportionately enforced against individuals experiencing homelessness. This Act further permits an individual experiencing homelessness to raise a violation of this Act as an affirmative defense to any charge of violating a statute or ordinance that prohibits life-sustaining activities protected under this Act. The attorney general may commence a civil action against any State or local government, government agency, or government official that violates this Act and this Act also contains a private right of action. This Act specifically waives sovereign immunity. This Act is named in honor of Dr. DeBorah Gilbert White.]]> Wed, 07 May 2025 11:16:47 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142201 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 15 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO VOTING LOCATION.

This Act will allow voters in primary and general elections to vote at any polling place in their county of residence. The Act’s goal in doing so is to increase access to voting by giving voters the ability to vote at the polling place in their county that is most convenient to them. This Act also gives the State Election Commissioner the authority to consolidate polling places into centrally located centers for voting, as long as each election district retains at least one polling place and the consolidation of polling places does not result in an undue burden on voters’ access to polling places. ]]> Tue, 06 May 2025 18:08:26 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142196 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 21 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO INSTALLATION OF TRAFFIC LIGHT SIGNAL VIOLATION MONITORING SYSTEMS.

This Act requires the Department of Transportation to install and operate a traffic light signal violation monitoring system at an intersection within 60 days of a request for it by a member of the General Assembly. ]]> Tue, 06 May 2025 12:09:13 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142158 Delaware - Committee AN ACT AMEND TITLE 18 AND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO HEARING AID COVERAGE FOR INDIVIDUALS YOUNGER THAN 24 YEARS OLD.

Early access to language is essential to child development. Children identified as Deaf or hard of hearing, rely on hearing aids for language development. Language development leads to success in school. Medicaid coverage of hearing aids for children younger than 21 years old applies only to children who qualify. Delaware currently requires private insurers to provide minimum coverage of $1,000 for each hearing aid for individuals younger than 24 years old, covered as a dependent by the policyholder. The cost of pediatric hearing aids can vary widely but can cost from $3,000 to $5,000 out-of-pocket. This can be too expensive for families who are not qualified for Medicaid coverage, even with the current $1,000 coverage requirement. This Act increases the minimum required coverage for hearing aids by requiring insurers to cover the entire cost of medically necessary hearing aids, and the services of a hearing care professional related to prescribing, fitting, or dispensing the hearing aid or earmold, for individuals younger than 24 years old, covered as a dependent by the policyholder. Insurers are required to cover hearing aids at least every 3 years, or sooner if new hearing aids are medically necessary. For hearing aids with earmolds, insurers are required to cover earmolds at least annually, or sooner if new earmolds are medically necessary. For purposes of the coverage requirement, “hearing aid” means any non-experimental, wearable instrument or device designed for the ear and offered for the purpose of aiding or compensating for impaired human hearing and any related parts, attachments, or accessories, including earmolds. The required coverage for hearing aids applies to all of the following: 1. Individual policies under Chapter 33 of Title 18. 2. Group and blanket policies under Chapter 35 of Title 18. 3. The State employee health plan under Chapter 52 of Title 29. The Act applies to all policies, contracts, or certificates issued, renewed, modified, altered, amended, or reissued after December 31, 2026. This Act also makes technical corrections to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual and reorganizes paragraphs for clarity.]]> Thu, 01 May 2025 12:07:48 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142155 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLES 10, 22, AND 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO REAL PROPERTY ACQUISITION AND THE EXERCISE OF EMINENT DOMAIN.

This Act requires a municipality to comply with all limitations and requirements contained in Chapter 95 of Title 29 and § 120 of Title 22 whenever the municipality uses eminent domain to acquire real property. This Act prohibits a municipality from using eminent domain to acquire real property for recreational use. Additionally, a municipality shall hold a public hearing before using eminent domain to acquire real property. A municipality shall give notice of the public hearing at least 10 days prior to the date of the public hearing by doing all of the following: Publishing an advertisement in a newspaper of general circulation in the municipality or in the county in which the municipality is located. If the owner can be identified, by mailing written notice by certified mail to the owner of the real property the municipality plans to acquire by eminent domain. The required notice must include all of the following information: A description of the real property to be acquired. The public use for which the real property is to be acquired. The time and place for the public hearing. At the public hearing, all of the following must be explained: The public use for the real property is to be acquired. The reason for choosing the real property for the public use. The right of each owner of the real property to receive just compensation under Chapter 95 of Title 29. The right of each owner of the real property to negotiate, including the right to accept or reject the offer of damages required under Chapter 95 of Title 29. Public comment must be allowed at the public hearing and any objection raised at the public hearing must be considered. This Act also updates the condemnation procedure in Chapter 61 of Title 10 to require a municipality bringing a condemnation action to show compliance with the public hearing requirement in § 120 of Title 22 in its complaint. This Act applies to condemnation proceedings filed after the Act’s enactment into law. This Act also makes technical corrections to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual. This Act requires a greater than majority vote for passage because § 1 of Article IX of the Delaware Constitution requires the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members elected to each house of the General Assembly to amend a municipal charter, whether directly, by amendment to a specific municipality’s charter, or, as in this Act, indirectly, by a general law.]]> Thu, 01 May 2025 12:07:38 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142159 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 11 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO POLICE OFFICER ARREST POWERS.

This Act is a substitute for House Bill No. 104. This Act differs from House Bill No. 104 in that it corrects a typographical error in the Act and removes language from the synopsis that is not applicable to House Bill No. 104 or this Act. Like House Bill No. 104, this Act provides enhanced statewide jurisdiction for police officers, including county and municipal police officers. Specifically, this Act does the following: (1) Enables an off-duty police officer to make arrests for offenses committed in the officer’s presence when the crime creates a substantial risk of death or serious physical injury to another person. (2) Enables an off-duty police officer to make arrests for certain serious traffic offenses committed in the officer's presence. (3) Adds 3 additional traffic violations to the list of traffic violations for which a law enforcement officer may arrest for statewide when the traffic violations are committed in the officer's presence. The 3 additional traffic violations are: reckless driving, aggressive driving, and overtaking and passing a stopped school bus. (4) Requires a police officer acting outside of the officer’s jurisdiction to take reasonable measures to notify the primary jurisdictional police agency as soon as practicable of the location of the crime and, if involving a stop for 1 of the 4 enumerated traffic violations, the registration number of the vehicle, description of the vehicle, and number of occupants of the vehicle. (5) Enables an off-duty police officer to make an arrest at any location in this State of an individual for any offense committed within the jurisdiction of the officer’s employing agency and for whose arrest a warrant has been issued. This Act requires a greater than majority vote for passage because § 1 of Article IX of the Delaware Constitution requires the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members elected to each house of the General Assembly to amend a municipal charter, whether directly, by amendment to a specific municipality’s charter, or, as in this Act, indirectly, by a general law.]]> Thu, 01 May 2025 11:59:28 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=141925 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 14 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE FREE SCHOOL MEALS PROGRAM.

This Act builds on House Substitute 2 for House Bill No. 125, enacted by the 152nd General Assembly, which extended free meals to students eligible for a reduced-price meal under federal law. This Act expands the availability of free meals by making them available to all public school students attending schools participating in the federal School Breakfast Program or National School Lunch Program. This Act requires public schools participating in the School Breakfast Program to make available free breakfasts to all attending students, regardless of household income. This Act also requires public schools participating in the National School Lunch Program to make available free lunches to all attending students, regardless of household income. This Act requires the Department of Education to reimburse schools for costs of eligible meals not reimbursed by the United States Department of Agriculture under the School Breakfast Program and National School Lunch Program. This Act adds definitions for breakfast, lunch, and eligible meal. This Act also removes the provision about the requirement for meals to follow the meal pattern requirements under the School Breakfast Program and the National School Lunch Program because the definitions of breakfast and lunch now include that requirement by reference to federal law. This Act takes effect 30 days following the date of publication in the Register of Regulations of a notice from the Controller General that funds have been appropriated to implement the provisions of this Act. This Act also makes technical corrections to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual.]]> Thu, 17 Apr 2025 17:31:54 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=141999 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLES 19 AND 29 RELATING TO HOME IMPROVEMENT DISPUTE RESOLUTION.

This Act directs the Division of Consumer Protection to establish a Home Improvement Dispute Resolution process through which a person who purchases home improvement services or materials from a contractor can initiate a dispute resolution process with the assistance of the Division. To be eligible for the dispute resolution process, the buyer must first send the contractor a written request to resolve the dispute and allow the contractor 20 days to respond. If the dispute is not resolved or the contractor fails to respond, the buyer may submit an application to the Division for assistance. Upon receiving notice from the Division that the buyer has initiated the dispute resolution process, a contractor must participate in good faith in the process. If the contractor fails to respond to the notice or fails to participate in good faith, it is deemed a violation of the Consumer Fraud Act and a notice will also be sent to the Department of Labor. A contractor who fails to participate in good faith in the dispute resolution process may also have their certificate of registration denied, suspended, or revoked. This Act also establishes that a buyer who initiates a civil action for damages incurred as a result of a violation of the Consumer Fraud Act related to a home improvement contract may be awarded actual damages, court costs, and reasonable attorneys fees. A buyer who initiates a civil action may also obtain up to treble damages if the buyer completed the steps to be eligible for the dispute resolution process, if the buyer made an offer of settlement at least 10 days prior to filing the civil suit and the contractor rejected the offer, if the offer was for less than the buyer is ultimately awarded by the court, and if the court holds that the contractor’s violation was wilful. This Act takes effect immediately and is to be implemented 6 months from the date of enactment. ]]> Thu, 17 Apr 2025 17:30:57 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142144 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 30 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO PERSONAL INCOME TAX.

This Act exempts from State income tax any income received by a full-time hourly wage-paid employee for overtime work performed in excess of 40 hours in a week. This exemption applies for taxable years beginning on January 1, 2026, and ending before January 1, 2028. This Act also requires each employer to provide information to the Division of Revenue about the total amount of overtime provided to full-time hourly wage-paid employees and the number of employees to whom overtime was paid in taxable years beginning January 1, 2025. ]]> Thu, 17 Apr 2025 12:38:14 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=141853 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 25 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO MAINTENANCE AND TIME COMPUTATION IN MANUFACTURED HOME COMMUNITIES.

This Act clarifies how a period of time is calculated under the Manufactured Homes and Manufactured Home Communities Act (Chapter 70 of Title 25), a landlord’s maintenance responsibilities in a manufactured home community, and that business invitees are not a “guest” or “visitor” of the tenant or resident. Under current law, § 7002(c) of Title 25, a designated period of time under Chapter 70 of Title 25 does not include weekends and legal holidays if the period of time is less than 7 days under § 5112 of Title 25. This Act changes how a period of time is calculated so that weekends and legal holidays are not counted if the period of time is 12 days or less. This Act also requires that a landlord maintain all of the following: 1. Bulkheads, streets, and other grounds to prevent the accumulation of standing water, as permitted by law. 2. All utilities and services provided by the landlord up to the physical connection to the home. 3. The root system, limbs, and trunk or stem of trees in common areas. This Act also updates the required standards for tree care to the generally accepted industry standards for tree care, the ANSI A300 Tree Care standards, because the American Association of Nurserymen ceased to exist on January 1, 2014. The ANSI A300 Tree Care standards are voluntary industry consensus standards developed by the Tree Care Industry Association and written by the Accredited Standards Institute. This Act also makes technical corrections to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual.]]> Tue, 15 Apr 2025 17:51:03 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142095 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 16 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO TRAUMA KITS.

Access to a trauma kit to stop bleeding is a vital first aid tool that can save lives in emergency situations where people are exposed to or may be exposed to traumatic circumstances. This Act defines what a trauma kit is and requires the managing entities of certain buildings acquire and place at least 6 trauma kits in a clearly visible, centrally located, and accessible area. The Act further requires the property managing entity or person to ensure the kits are appropriately placed and replaced if needed. The property managing entity or person must also send notification to tenants of the building regarding the locations of the trauma kits and instructions on how to use them. This Act does not apply to private homes, residences, or vehicles. The Department of Labor and the Department of Health and Social Services must adopt rules and regulations pertaining to the bill. Any person who violates this Act would be subject to fines of $100 for the first violation and $250 for any subsequent violations. Use of a trauma kit in an emergency care situation is protected from civil liability pursuant to §§ 6801 and 6802 of Title 16. This Act becomes effective 180 days upon enactment. ]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2025 19:33:54 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142051 Delaware - Committee DIRECTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES TO SUBMIT A STATE PLAN AMENDMENT INCREASING ELIGIBILITY FOR MEDICAID LONG TERM SERVICES AND SUPPORTS.

This Senate Joint Resolution directs the Department of Health and Social Services to submit a state plan amendment increasing eligibility for Medicaid Long Term Services and Supports to 300% of SSI, which is consistent with the eligibility limit in all other states and the District of Columbia.]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2025 16:30:39 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142076 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLES 15 AND 21 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO PHOTOGRAPHIC IDENTIFICATION IN DELAWARE ELECTIONS AND OBTAINING NONDRIVER IDENTIFICATION CARDS.

To protect the integrity of our elections, this Act provides that in order to vote, a voter, prior to being permitted to vote, must be able to present a photographic identification, specifically a Driver’s License or a Nondriver Identification Card issued by the Division of Motor Vehicles, or a United States Passport or a military identification card. In order to make obtaining an identification card easier on the general public, the first nondriver identification card issued by the Division shall be free, as opposed to the current fee of $40.00. Subsequent cards, upon expiration, will be issued for a reduced fee of $20.00. Department of Elections for each county will now be required to conduct at lest 2 countywide programs at locations reasonably convenient and accessible to the citizens.]]> Tue, 08 Apr 2025 12:30:53 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142072 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 9 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE FREQUENCY OF REASSESSMENT.

This Act requires that each county reassess the value of real property in the county at least once every 10 years instead of the current 5 year requirement.]]> Tue, 08 Apr 2025 12:30:53 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142071 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 30 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO PERSONAL INCOME TAX MODIFICATIONS SUBTRACTED FROM FEDERAL ADJUSTED GROSS INCOME.

This bill increases the personal income tax pension exclusion from $12,500 to $25,000.]]> Tue, 08 Apr 2025 12:30:53 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142056 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE PROHIBITION OF DISCRIMINATION BASED ON WEIGHT, HEIGHT, OR BODY SIZE.

This Act prohibits discrimination based on weight, height, or body size in transportation, public accommodation, housing, commerce and trade, employment, jury selection, education, and public administration. This Act also makes technical corrections to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual.]]> Tue, 08 Apr 2025 12:30:53 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142039 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 11 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO VULNERABLE ADULTS.

This Act creates the criminal offense of endangering the welfare of a vulnerable adult. A person found guilty of endangering the welfare of a vulnerable adult is guilty of a class A misdemeanor. This Act requires a greater than majority vote for passage because § 28 of Article IV of the Delaware Constitution requires the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members elected to each house of the General Assembly.]]> Thu, 03 Apr 2025 11:00:14 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142038 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 3 AND TITLE 10 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL OPERATIONS.

This Act strengthens Delaware’s existing Right to Farm laws by expanding protections for agricultural operations against nuisance lawsuits. Specifically, this Act removes the current requirement that an agricultural operation have existed for 1 year or more in order to benefit from statutory protections against nuisance suits. Under this Act, an agricultural operation cannot be deemed a nuisance as long as it is operating in accordance with all applicable local, state, and federal requirements and is not being conducted in a negligent or improper manner. This protection cannot be used against a federal, state, or local agency that is enforcing air, water quality, or other environmental standards under federal, state, or local law. This Act also makes technical corrections to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual. ]]> Thu, 03 Apr 2025 11:00:03 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142004 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 7 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL BY REPEALING THE DELAWARE ADVANCED CLEAN CAR PROGRAM UNDER REGULATION 1140 OF TITLE 7 OF THE DELAWARE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE AND ADOPTING THE DELAWARE LOW EMISSION VEHICLE PROGRAM.

This bill repeals the Delaware Advanced Clean Air Program and adopts the Delaware Low Emissions Program thereby terminating the Electric Vehicle Mandate.]]> Wed, 26 Mar 2025 12:28:50 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=141755 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 15 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO REVIEW OF CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS AND EXPENDITURES.

This Act requires the Department of Elections to review every political committee’s contribution and expense report and to note the report, on the Department’s website, as either “Submitted but Not Reviewed” or “Reviewed and Final”. If the Department discovers any violations of this chapter, it must work with the candidate to rectify the violations. Once the violations are corrected and the candidate submits an amended report, the report’s status shall be updated on the Department’s website and clearly marked as “Reviewed and Final”. This Act will apply to all contribution and expense reports submitted after March 1, 2026.]]> Thu, 20 Mar 2025 17:32:08 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=141841 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO EMPLOYER CONTRIBUTIONS TO DEFERRED COMPENSATION.

The State of Delaware previously offered an employer match for state employee contributions to the deferred compensation program. The purpose of the match was to help state employees save and build wealth for retirement and to enable state government to recruit and retain talent by offering a valuable retirement savings benefit. In July 2008, during the Great Recession, the State suspended the employer match to cut costs. Every year since fiscal year 2008, the General Assembly has written in the annual appropriations bill: “It is the intent of the General Assembly that this program be reinstated when funding becomes available.” This Act updates the laws governing the employer match in anticipation of the General Assembly restoring the match this session and increases the maximum match to $20 per pay period. This Act also eases restrictions on which participants are eligible for the match. To help employees who are unable to save for retirement because of their student loan burden, this Act enables a match for employee’s student loan payments with employer contributions to their deferred compensation account. Congress enabled employers to make this type of matching contribution with the passage of the SECURE 2.0 Act, which was included in the Federal Fiscal Year 2023 Omnibus Appropriations Bill. This Act provides the Plans Management Board with the discretion to determine which plan the matching contributions should be deposited into.]]> Wed, 19 Mar 2025 16:05:08 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=141955 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 26 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO RENEWABLE ENERGY PORTFOLIO STANDARDS.

The Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) is the percentage of electricity that utilities must source from renewables. This is presently set at 25% and will increase annually, culminating at 40% in 2035. Delaware does not currently have enough renewable energy to meet the present mandate, let alone future RPS requirements. Renewable energy is also in short supply on the regional power grid. If it is available, consumers are paying additional distribution charges to transmit it to Delaware. If renewable energy is not obtainable, Delaware utilities are paying penalties to the state for failing to achieve the RPS mandate. In each of the last two years, Delmarva Power has spent about $13 million annually in such state mandated compliance fees. All these cost multipliers are being passed along to consumers, making power more expensive for Delaware ratepayers. This bill recognizes the current flawed public energy policy that has resulted in renewable energy demand significantly outpacing supply. This legislation seeks to provide relief to Delawareans by rolling back the Renewable Portfolio Standard to 10% and maintaining the RPS requirement for the next 10 years, providing sufficient time for renewable generation capacity to meet demand. After the 10-year period expires, the RPS percentage will resume scheduled annual increases. ]]> Tue, 18 Mar 2025 12:49:21 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=141956 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 24 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO PARENTAL CONSENT FOR MINORS SEEKING AN ABORTION.

Like House Bill 46, this Act ensures that no physician or medically authorized person shall perform an abortion upon a child under the age of 16 without having obtained parental consent, except in cases of medical emergency or if the Family Court adjudicates that the minor is mature and well-informed enough to make the decision independently, or obtaining parental consent is not in the best interest of the minor, such as in cases of abuse, neglect, or coercion. This Act differs from House Bill 46 by removing additional references to the former notice requirement in Chapter 17, Subchapter VIII, of Title 24, and by clarifying that a legal guardian may grant the consent required by this Act.]]> Tue, 18 Mar 2025 12:49:21 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=141745 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO RETIRED STATE EMPLOYEE PENSION PLAN BURIAL BENEFITS.

Section 1 of this Act increases the burial benefit for individuals receiving a pension under the State Employees’ Pension Plan (Chapter 55 of Title 29 of the Delaware Code) from $7,000 to $10,000. The amount of this benefit has not been increased since 2001 (See 73 Del. Laws, c. 146, § 5). Section 1 of this Act directly increases the amount of the burial benefit for individuals receiving a pension under the State Employees’ Pension Plan and also increases the funeral benefits under additional pension plans because the amount of the benefits under the following pension plans is the same as the amount under § 5546 of Title 29: • The State Police Pension Plan, Chapter 83 of Title 11. • The Delaware County and Municipal Police and Firefighter Pension Plan, Chapter 88 of Title 11. • The early retirement option for state employees, Chapter 53 of Title 29. In addition, Section 1 of this Act increases the reasonable funeral expenses permitted in a wrongful death action under § 3724(d)(4) of Title 10 because the maximum for these damages is the amount under § 5546 of Title 29. Section 2 of this Act delays the effect of this Act until October 1, 2025, to provide time to implement this Act after the enactment of the fiscal year 2026 appropriations act containing the funding for this Act. This Act also makes technical corrections to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual.]]> Wed, 12 Mar 2025 16:36:09 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=141744 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 18 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO FUNERAL EXPENSES FOR CERTAIN VOLUNTEERS WITH FIRE OR AMBULANCE COMPANIES.

Section 1 of this Act increases to $10,000 the amount of funeral expenses which can be paid for the funeral of a deceased member of a volunteer fire company, volunteer fire company ladies auxiliary, or volunteer ambulance and rescue company. The amount of this benefit has not been increased since 2004 (See 74 Del. Laws, c. 339, § 1). Consistent with a legal interpretation of the existing law by state agencies, Section 1 of this Act continues to enable the payment of funeral expenses for the funeral of a deceased member of a volunteer fire company, volunteer fire company ladies auxiliary, or volunteer ambulance and rescue company even if the member was also a state employee entitled to burial benefits under § 8331 of Title 11, § 8395 of Title 11, § 8846 of Title 11, or § 5316 of Title 29. However, Section 1 of this Act makes changes to existing law to make this legal interpretation clear and to specifically identify the state employee burial benefits to which this provision applies. Section 2 of this Act delays the effect of this Act until October 1, 2025, to provide time to implement this Act after the enactment of the fiscal year 2026 appropriations act containing the funding for this Act. This Act also makes technical corrections to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual.]]> Wed, 12 Mar 2025 16:35:56 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=141932 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 14 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE SENIOR PROPERTY TAX CREDIT.

This Act changes the residency requirement for seniors from 10 years to 3 years as it was prior to 2017.]]> Wed, 12 Mar 2025 12:14:43 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=141917 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 14 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO READING COMPETENCY.

This Act updates the DOE’s standards for selecting and and implementing statewide reading screeners and literacy intervention approaches. In summary, this Act does the following: 1. Clarifies factors that the Department must consider when selecting literacy intervention approaches that may be used by schools. 2. Authorizes school districts and charter schools to submit an alternative reading screener to the Department for approval. 3. Requires the Department to annually identify schools with a significant level of students below proficient on the State’s third grade reading assessment for 2 consecutive years. 4. Requires the Department to provide additional supports to schools identified as below proficient. ]]> Tue, 11 Mar 2025 12:25:18 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=141893 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 16 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO DRUGS USED IN GOVERNMENT-SANCTIONED EXECUTIONS.

This Act creates civil and criminal liability for a corporation or other business organized under the laws of this State that sells, distributes, or dispenses a drug that is used as part of a government-sanctioned execution. Under this Act, the highest-ranking officer of the organization that sells, distribute, or dispenses a drug that the officer knows or should know will be used in any capacity in a government-sanctioned execution is guilty of a class A felony and is subject to a civil penalty of not more than $50,000. If the organization is a corporation, its corporate charter will also be revoked.]]> Thu, 06 Mar 2025 12:00:14 -0500 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=141888 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLES 6 AND 11 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO HOME CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS.

This Act protects consumers by regulating home improvement contracts. Among other things, this Act provides the buyer with a right to cancel home improvement contracts within 3 days (5 days for those over the age of 62 or with a disability); limits contract deposits and material deposits; and time periods in which construction must begin. It also prohibits confessions of judgments and hasty debt transfers. If a party to a home improvement contract violates a provision of this new subchapter, a person who is damaged as a result has a cause of action to seek damages, costs, and reasonable attorney's fees. This Act also creates a requirement that individuals convicted of 2 or more offenses of home improvement fraud after the effective date of this Act must be subject to debarment. This debarment will preclude these individuals from operating a business which engages in home improvement services or from employing other individuals to engage in home improvement services. Debarred individuals may work for a company which engages in home improvement themselves, so long as they are not in control of the company in question. This bill also enhances penalties for home improvement fraud for those with prior convictions for home improvement fraud; and creates enhanced penalties for individuals who engage in home improvement services while operating companies which are not registered with the Delaware Department of Labor’s Contractor Registry. ]]> Thu, 06 Mar 2025 12:00:14 -0500 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=141881 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO FISCAL PROJECTIONS.

This Act changes the timeline for fiscal projections required under § 1901, § 1902, and § 1905 of Title 29 from 3 years to 5 years. It also changes the timeline for fiscal projections required under § 1903 of Title 29 from 1 year to 5 years. This Act applies to all bills or joint resolutions filed after the Act’s enactment into law. This Act also makes technical corrections to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual.]]> Thu, 06 Mar 2025 12:00:11 -0500 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=141878 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 14 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE DELAWARE EDUCATOR APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM.

Currently, the Delaware Educator Apprenticeship Progam offers teacher apprenticeships to aspiring educators in Delaware. This Act expands the Delaware Educator Apprenticeship Program to include paraprofessional apprenticeships (paraprofessional registered occupation programs) and registered youth apprenticeship programs that begin in high school. Under this Act, the DOE will work with the DOL to create at least 1 paraprofessional registered occupation pilot program for the 2025-2026 school year. To that end, the DOE, in partnership with the DOL, must apply for State Apprenticeship Expansion Formula Grants, both formula and competitive funding, for the 2025-2026 school year, along with any other available state or federal funding. ]]> Thu, 06 Mar 2025 12:00:11 -0500 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=141874 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 7 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO TERMINATING THE REGIONAL GREENHOUSE GAS INITIATIVE AND CO2 EMISSION TRADING PROGRAM.

This Act removes Delaware from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (“RGGI”) as the state has already exceeded its CO2 reduction goals, cutting emissions by 45%. Despite this progress, Delaware faces high electricity costs and slow economic growth, ranking 46th in GDP growth. RGGI compliance costs are passed on to consumers, making energy more expensive for families and businesses. States outside RGGI have maintained lower energy prices while still reducing emissions. Exiting the program will allow Delaware to pursue policies that support both economic growth and energy affordability.]]> Thu, 06 Mar 2025 11:01:13 -0500 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=141855 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 16 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO GENDER TRANSITION PROCEDURES.

This Act prohibits gender transition surgery for children due to the potential for an irrevocable procedure occurring when there is a significant probability that children will come to identify with their biological gender. This Act prohibits the use of public funds and insurance coverage for gender transition surgery for children. This Act provides for enforcement of the Act as follows: (1) By providing for compensatory damages, injunctive relief, declaratory relief, or any other appropriate relief. (2) By making a referral for or provision of gender transition procedures to a child unprofessional conduct for which a physician or healthcare professional making the referral for or provision of gender transition procedures to a child is subject to discipline by the appropriate licensing entity or disciplinary review board with jurisdiction over the physician or healthcare professional in this State.]]> Thu, 20 Feb 2025 14:08:45 -0500 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=141861 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 16 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO PURE FOOD AND DRUGS.

This Act is a substitute for Senate Substitute No. 1 for Senate Bill No. 41. This Act differs from SS 1 for SB 41 in that it removes the ban on the manufacture, sale, delivery, distribution, holding with the intent to sell, and offering for sale in Delaware of food that contains Red dye 40 (CAS no. 25956-17-6). Like SB 41 and SS 1 for SB 41, this Act bans the manufacture, sale, delivery, distribution, holding with the intent to sell, and offering for sale in Delaware of food that contains Red dye 3 (CAS no. 16423-68-0). For purposes of this chapter and section, food includes drink, ice, confectionary, and condiments. Red dye 3 is a color additive made from petroleum that gives foods a bright cherry-red color. Red dye 3, also labeled Red 3 or FD&C Red No. 3, is a synthetic additive used to color food and drink that has been linked to behavioral concerns in children and cancer. Red dye 3 is in thousands of foods, including those marketed to children. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Branded Foods Database at FoodData Central identified 9,201 U.S. food products that contain Red dye 3, including hundreds of products made by the country’s biggest food companies. However, Red dye 3 does not need to be in our food supply. Companies could replace Red dye 3 with natural colors from foods like beets, red cabbage, or black currants, or could simply leave it out entirely. Red dye 3 is added to food only to make it look more appealing. After the release of SB 41, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) revoked the authorization to use Red dye 3 in food and ingested drugs under the Delaney Clause of the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. The Delaney Clause prohibits FDA authorization of a food or color additive if it has been found to induce cancer in humans or animals. This Act establishes a State prohibition against Red dye 3 in food products to ensure it will remain banned in the State of Delaware. The civil penalty provision for violation of this Act remains the same as in SB 41 and SS 1 for SB 41; any person that violates this Act is subject to a civil penalty as follows: (1) For a first occurrence, not to exceed $5,000, in addition to costs. (2) For a subsequent occurrence, not to exceed $10,000, in addition to costs. Each day on which a violation of this Act occurs constitutes a separate occurrence. This Act retains the same effective date as SS 1 for SB 41. This Act takes effect on January 15, 2027, to align with the date by which Red dye 3 must be removed from foods under federal law. ]]> Thu, 20 Feb 2025 14:06:54 -0500 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=141799 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 1 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO A NATIONAL DAY OF MOURNING DUE TO THE DEATH OF A CURRENT OR FORMER PRESIDENT.

This Act establishes that State government offices are to close when a National Day of Mourning is declared due to the death of a current or former President. ]]> Tue, 21 Jan 2025 16:37:16 -0500 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=141790 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE DIAMOND STATE PORT CORPORATION.

This Act makes changes to the Diamond State Port Corporation (“Corporation”). Specifically, this Act does the following: (1) Authorizes the Corporation’s Board of Directors (“Board”) to elect the Chair of the Board without the advice and consent of the Senate. Currently, the Governor appoints the Chair with the advice and consent of the Senate. (2) In Section 2, provides for a transition period after this Act takes effect to ensure the Board has a Chair until the Board elects a Chair under this Act. (3) Makes clear that the total membership of the Board is 14. The Director of the Division of Small Business was removed from the Board by Chapter 374 of Volume 81 of the Laws of Delaware, but the total number of members of the Board was not reduced to reflect the change. (4) Makes technical corrections to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual. This Act requires a greater than majority vote for passage because § 1 of Article IX of the Delaware Constitution requires the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members elected to each house of the General Assembly to amend a special act of incorporation.]]> Wed, 15 Jan 2025 17:50:45 -0500 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=141769 Delaware - Committee A BOND AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS ACT OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE AND CERTAIN OF ITS AUTHORITIES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2026; AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS OF THE STATE; APPROPRIATING FUNDS FROM THE TRANSPORTATION TRUST FUND; AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF REVENUE BONDS OF THE DELAWARE TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY; APPROPRIATING SPECIAL FUNDS OF THE DELAWARE TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY; APPROPRIATING GENERAL FUNDS OF THE STATE; REPROGRAMMING CERTAIN FUNDS OF THE STATE; SPECIFYING CERTAIN PROCEDURES, CONDITIONS AND LIMITATIONS FOR THE EXPENDITURE OF SUCH FUNDS; AND AMENDING CERTAIN STATUTORY PROVISIONS.

This Bill is the Fiscal Year 2026 Bond and Capital Improvements Act.]]> Wed, 15 Jan 2025 13:03:14 -0500 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=141785 Delaware - Committee AN ACT MAKING A ONE-TIME SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2026 TO THE OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET.

This Act appropriates $17,561,900 to provide one-time funded projects through the Office of Management and Budget.]]> Wed, 15 Jan 2025 12:53:05 -0500 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=141786 Delaware - Committee AN ACT MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE EXPENSE OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2026; SPECIFYING CERTAIN PROCEDURES, CONDITIONS AND LIMITATIONS FOR THE EXPENDITURE OF SUCH FUNDS; AND AMENDING CERTAIN PERTINENT STATUTORY PROVISIONS.

This Bill is the Fiscal Year 2026 Appropriations Act.]]> Wed, 15 Jan 2025 12:53:05 -0500 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=141784 Delaware - Committee AMENDING THE RULES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE 153RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY RELATING TO REMOVAL OF AN OFFICER BY BILL OF ADDRESS.

This amendment to the House Rules adds a Rule 66A, which sets forth the procedure by which an officer may be removed from office by a Bill of Address under § 13 of Article III of the Delaware Constitution.]]> Wed, 15 Jan 2025 12:53:04 -0500 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=141782 Delaware - Committee AMENDING THE RULES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE 153RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY RELATING SETTING A DATE CERTAIN FOR A BILL TO BE HEARD ON THE AGENDA.

This amendment to the House Rules permits a Representative to set a date certain for a bill to be heard on the House agenda, akin to a similar rule in the Senate.]]> Wed, 15 Jan 2025 12:53:04 -0500 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=141760 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT OF AGENCY REGULATIONS.

This Act requires that an enacted state agency regulation will automatically expire unless explicitly reauthorized by the General Assembly to continue. This Act creates the Joint Committee on Oversight of Agency Regulations (“Committee”) to engage in review and oversight of regulations adopted by State agencies and recommend to the General Assembly whether or not the regulations should be allowed to expire. Like laws in states such as Colorado and Utah, this Act does all of the following: (1) Requires that all regulations adopted by an agency during the 12-month period preceding each October 31 expire at 5:00 p.m. on the following June 30 unless the General Assembly enacts a law to remove the expiration of the regulation. (2) Establishes criteria for the Committee’s review of State agency regulations. (3) Establishes a process for the Committee’s review and oversight of State agency regulations, including the requirement of a staff report, public hearings, and Committee recommendations to the General Assembly. (4) If the Committee recommends a regulation not be allowed to expire, requires the Committee to draft and introduce a bill that removes the expiration of each regulation the Committee recommends not be allowed to expire. (5) The Committee Chair, Vice Chair, and members receive the same additional compensation as the Joint Legislative Oversight and Sunset Committee.]]> Thu, 09 Jan 2025 10:27:09 -0500 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=141752 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 21 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO CAR PURCHASE CONTRACT CANCELLATION OPTION AGREEMENTS.

This Act requires dealers to offer car buyers the opportunity to purchase a contract cancellation option agreement. The contract cancellation option agreement must allow buyers to cancel a car purchase no less than 3 business days after the dealer delivers the car to the buyer. The cost of the contract cancellation option is based on the cash sale price of the car. A dealer may also charge a restocking fee, based on the cash sale price, if a consumer cancels the car purchase. But the cost of the contract cancellation option must be credited to any restocking fee. If a consumer chooses to buy a car at the end of a lease and then exercises a contract cancellation option, a dealer may charge to that consumer any amount that would have been due under the lease for excess mileage, unrepaired damage, and excess wear and tear. The dealer must keep any trade-in motor vehicles through the end of the cancellation period. If a consumer cancels a car purchase, the consumer must return the car to the dealer along with the signed contract cancellation option. The car must be free of excess mileage, excess wear and tear, and liens, other than liens created by the sales contract or a loan used to finance the purchase of the car. The dealer must give a full refund, less the restocking fee, and must return any trade-in car. If the dealer mistakenly sells the trade-in car before the cancellation period ends and the buyer exercises the right to cancel, the dealer must also refund the fair market value of the car or the value listed in the contract, whichever is higher. A dealer is not required to allow the same consumer to purchase a cancellation option again within 30 days after the consumer exercises a cancellation option. A dealer is not required to give notice of the return of a motor vehicle under this Act to a subsequent buyer. This Act does not cancel or limit any disclosure obligation required by any other law. This Act does not affect or alter the legal rights, duties, obligations, or liabilities of the buyer, the dealer, or the dealer's agents or assigns, that would exist without a contract cancellation option agreement. The buyer is the owner of a motor vehicle when the buyer takes delivery of a motor vehicle until the motor vehicle is returned to the dealer under a contract cancellation option agreement. The existence of a contract cancellation option agreement does not impose permissive user liability on the dealer, or the dealer's agents or assigns. This Act does not affect a buyer’s ability of to cancel the contract or revoke acceptance under any other law.]]> Fri, 03 Jan 2025 11:03:46 -0500 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=141737 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 14 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO SCHOOL OFFICER FUNDING.

This Act establishes school officer units to fund school resource officers or constables in all Delaware public schools. Specifically, this Act funds at least 1 school officer in each school in a school district and in each charter school, regardless of enrollment, and provides for additional school officers for schools with over 1,000 students.]]> Thu, 19 Dec 2024 12:32:42 -0500 153