http://www.legis.delaware.gov/ Legislation In Committee with the State of Delaware en-us Tue, 30 Jun 2026 19:41:10 -0400 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143688 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 19 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE INSURANCE PROGRAM.

This Act changes the eligibility for Delaware's Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program ("Program") by removing the requirement that an individual be employed for at least 12 months by an employer with respect to whom leave is requested. This change would make eligible for the Program individuals who meet the hours-of-service requirement in less than 12 months.]]> Tue, 30 Jun 2026 19:41:10 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143682 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 18 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES

This Act clarifies that a securities intermediary or bank acting solely in an administrative, trustee or custodial capacity shall not incur liability for receipt of policy proceeds. This Act also preserves recovery rights against investors and applies only to actions brought on or after the date of enactment of this Act into law. ]]> Tue, 30 Jun 2026 19:40:56 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143681 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND THE LAWS OF DELAWARE RELATING TO A MORATORIUM ON DATA CENTER DEVELOPMENT.

This Act imposes a moratorium, through January 31, 2027, on all applications and permits related to the development of large-scale data centers in this State. 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.]]> Tue, 30 Jun 2026 19:40:19 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143678 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 26 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION.

This Act 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. This Act also makes technical changes to existing law to conform to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual. ]]> Tue, 30 Jun 2026 12:44:45 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143675 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 7 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO COMMERCIAL OPERATIONS.

This Act safeguards public health by requiring the temporary cessation, or mitigation, of commercial activities that materially elevate nearby residential temperatures during periods of extreme heat. This Act shall be known as the “Community Heat Protection and Industrial Accountability Act.” This Act requires DNREC to develop standardized methodologies for measuring and modeling thermal impacts. DNREC may assess fines of up to $10,000 per day, issue mandatory shut down orders, or issue additional penalties for willful non-compliance. Affected residents will also have a private right of action to file a lawsuit. Facilities, that are not data centers, zoned for heavy industrial use, such as oil refineries, are exempt from the requirements of this chapter. The Department shall promulgate regulations to implement this Act within 18 months of enactment. ]]> Tue, 30 Jun 2026 12:44:45 -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, 25 Jun 2026 21:24:41 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143651 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 25 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE DELAWARE UNIFORM COMMON INTEREST OWNERSHIP ACT.

This Act strengthens requirements relating to reserve studies to ensure common interest communities have adequate reserves to provide for reliable and timely repairs and replacement projects. Reserve studies are budget planning tools to be used by common interest communities to identify components in a community for which the association is responsible for repair and replacement, the useful and remaining life of those components, the estimated cost of repair and replacement, the current status of money available to complete those repairs and replacements, and establishes a funding plan to offset the anticipated costs without reliance on special assessments. The goal of this is to ensure maintenance and repair is done in a timely manner to prevent loss of property value and, in the most severe cases, loss of life. Guidelines for the preparation of reserve studies are established by the Community Associations Institute. This Act updates the timeframe from which projected expenses must be calculated, requires façade and structural inspections to be conducted on certain buildings, and those inspections and the maintenance needs identified in those inspection reports, to be incorporated into the reserve study, and for reserve studies to be conducted more often in certain circumstances. This Act requires small condominiums and cooperatives under § 81-117, preexisting common interest communities and approved common interest communities under § 81-119, and small preexisting cooperatives under § 81-120 to comply with the inspection and reserve study requirements. This Act also gives the Consumer Protection Unit of the Department of Justice the ability to enforce violations of the Delaware Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act. Under current law, enforcement requires private enforcement through lawsuits or alternative dispute resolution. This Act takes effect 1 year after its enactment into law. This Act also makes technical corrections to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual. This Act is based on recommendations provided by the New Castle County Council Common Interest Community Task Force, which was motivated by the tragedy of the Champlain Tower South condominium collapse in Surfside, Florida, in which 98 people died. ]]> Wed, 24 Jun 2026 22:22:20 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143639 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 30 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO PERSONAL INCOME TAX SUBTRACTIONS

This Act creates a Delaware personal income tax subtraction for qualified overtime compensation that mirrors the federal deduction. Eligible workers can deduct up to $12,500 of qualified overtime pay ($25,000 for married couples filing jointly) from their federal taxable income. The deduction begins to phase out when federal modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) exceeds $150,000 for single filers ($300,000 for joint filers). Only the overtime premium portion (the extra pay above the regular hourly rate) qualifies for the deduction. ]]> Tue, 23 Jun 2026 19:49:55 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143629 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 9 AND TITLE 14 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO REAL PROPERTY TAXATION, CLASSIFICATION, AND SPLIT-RATE TAX AUTHORITY.

This Act establishes a uniform statewide framework for classifying taxable real property and explicitly grants split-rate tax authority to counties, school districts, and vocational-technical school districts. The Act defines four baseline, statewide property classes based on use: Class A (one-to-four-family residential property); Class B (multifamily residential property, including affordable and income-restricted housing); Class C (non-residential commercial, industrial, utility, and institutional property); and Class D (mixed-use property, which must have its assessed value allocated proportionally among the other classes based on floor area or another objective measure). The Act explicitly declares that Class A and Class B properties together comprise Delaware’s residential housing sector and protects multifamily housing from being treated as commercial or industrial property for tax purposes. To protect renters and affordable housing developments from disproportionate tax burdens following property reassessments, this Act implements statutory tax caps on multifamily properties. Any county tax rate imposed on Class B multifamily residential real property may not exceed the rate imposed on Class A one-to-four-family residential real property in the same fiscal year. Furthermore, local school and vocational-technical district tax rates imposed on Class B multifamily residential real property are strictly capped at 120% of the rate applied to Class A residential property within the same jurisdiction and tax year. The Act requires that if a county, school district, or vocational-technical school district resets its tax rates to implement these classifications, the restructuring must be completely revenue-neutral, meaning total projected revenue cannot exceed the amount originally projected under the applicable tax warrant. Finally, the Act clarifies that jurisdictions are not required to adopt multiple tax rates and may choose to maintain a single uniform rate across all property types, while preserving all existing statutory post-reassessment revenue limits, such as the 15% county cap and 10% school district limits.]]> Fri, 19 Jun 2026 15:33:31 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143449 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 26 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS.

This Act adds a definition of “utility battery energy storage system” to Chapter 10 of Title 26 of the Delaware Code. Under the definition of “utility battery energy storage system,” battery storage systems that store electricity from the electric grid and discharge the electricity at a later time are not considered generation or a generation unit for electricity when owned and operated by a public electric utility. This Act also authorizes Delmarva Power to own and operate battery energy storage systems after appropriate review and approval by the Delaware Public Service Commission. To mitigate any cost shifts or negative impacts on ratepayers, the Act requires Delmarva Power to make best efforts to maximize all applicable value streams from any battery energy storage systems, including participating in applicable PJM markets and utilizing its battery energy storage systems to realize potential savings through distribution-level services. ]]> Thu, 18 Jun 2026 19:40:35 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143464 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 25 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO RENTERS INSURANCE.

This Act provides that a landlord may not require a tenant to use a particular renters insurance company as long as the tenant maintains renters insurance according to the terms of the rental agreement. ]]> Thu, 18 Jun 2026 19:39:58 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143436 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 14 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO LOCAL SCHOOL TAXES.

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 in the fiscal year that began July 1, 2025.]]> Thu, 18 Jun 2026 19:39:40 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143622 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 4 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO PRIVATE EVENTS.

In Delaware, there are 44 event venues that host events like weddings and receptions. To host events where alcohol is served, event venues must have a bottle club license. Under § 101 of Title 4, a bottle club is defined as a business where customers “enter on the premises for the purpose of consuming alcoholic liquors” brought by the customers. This definition can make the pathway for licensure unclear for event venues with customers that enter on the premises for the purpose of hosting and attending private events that sometimes include alcohol. Only 8 of the event venues in Delaware have a bottle club license. Adding a license that allows venues to host events with alcohol would reduce regulatory confusion by creating a clear pathway for event venues to apply for licensure. Also, event venues or the venues’ customers often hire caterers to provide food and alcohol to event guests, but Delaware grants licenses to purchase and resell alcohol only to caterers with at least 60% of their gross receipts resulting from the sale of food. In practice, this requirement limits flexibility, raises costs, and complicates event planning. So long as a reasonable selection of food is available, allowing the Commissioner to grant a license to caterers to serve alcohol at private, invitation-only events without the requirement to serve food would provide more flexibility for event planners and event venues, help with collaboration, and saves on costs. Adding a private event license and granting caterer licenses to provide alcohol at private events without requiring the caterer to also provide food would help eliminate gray areas in licensing and bring more events under the legal oversight of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commissioner (“Commissioner”). These licensing changes would encourage economic activity in Delaware’s small business, event, and hospitality sections while ensuring public safety and maintaining accountability. This Act adds a private event license under § 512I of Title 4 to replace the current bottle club license for private social gatherings under § 515A(c)(2) of Title 4. Bottle club licenses granted under § 515A(c)(2) of Title 4 prior to the Act’s enactment may be retained and transferred, as allowed by the Commissioner. A “private event venue” means an establishment operated for profit or pecuniary gain used for private events. A “private event” means an invitation-only event with up to 1,000 guests, like weddings, dinners, benefits, and banquets. The private event license allows the person in charge of a private event or the owner, lessor, or person in charge of a private event venue to hold a private event at which alcoholic liquors are provided for consumption on the licensed premises. The alcoholic liquors may be provided by an off-site caterer licensed under § 512(g) of Title 4 or the customer, the customer’s invited guests, or both. The private event license does not allow a licensee to receive, keep, or sell alcoholic liquors. A private event licensee is also subject to limitations on the hours when alcohol may be sold or consumed on the premises and how long alcohol may be on the premises before and after a private event. Also, private event licensees have certain requirements, including maintaining liability insurance; making sure that if a licensed off-site caterer is hired, only that licensed off-site caterer provides alcohol; not providing alcohol to an individual under the age of 21 years; and making sure that there is an adequate selection of food, as determined by the Commissioner, at each private event. There are 2 types of private event licenses. A person may apply for a single event license that is valid only for the date and location specified in the application or a biennial premises license valid for any private event held on the licensed premises within a 2-year period. The fee for a single event license is $50 and the fee for a biennial premises license is $1,000. A private event licensee holding a biennial premises license must report each private event to the Commissioner at least 10 business days before the private event. The report must include the private event’s time and date, the number of guests invited, if the alcohol will be provided by an off-site caterer or the customer, and any other information required by the Commissioner. This Act also allows the Commissioner to grant licenses to caterers and off-site caterers under § 512(g) of Title 4, without the requirement to sell food, only if caterers or off-site caterers provide alcohol at a private event held on licensed premises. At each private event, an adequate selection of food, as determined by the Commissioner, must be available while alcoholic liquors are sold, served, or consumed. The food may be provided by another person, including a private event licensee, another caterer, another off-site caterer, or the customer. If the caterer or off-site caterer is hired to provide alcoholic liquors at a private event, all alcoholic liquors sold, served, or consumed must be provided by that caterer or off-site caterer. And the caterer or off-site caterer must report each private event, as required by the Commissioner. This Act also makes technical corrections to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual. This Act takes effect on enactment and is to be implemented the earlier of the following: 1. Six months from the date of the Act’s enactment. 2. Notice by the Commissioner in the Register of Regulations that final regulations to implement this Act have been adopted. 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.]]> Thu, 18 Jun 2026 19:31:47 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143609 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLES 7 AND 16 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO LEAD PAINT ON OUTDOOR FACILITIES.

This Act requires that the Delaware Hazardous Substance Cleanup Act (HSCA) include facilities with lead-based paint on outdoor structures. Current DNREC regulations specifically exempts facilities where the sole contaminant is lead-based paint and the Department determines the facility is appropriately regulated and adequately addressed by another state or federal agency, statute, or regulation. By bringing these facilities under the HSCA, contaminated outdoor structures would be eligible for DNREC’s Voluntary Cleanup Program, which provides a framework to enforce the provisions of Chapter 30M of Title 16, relating to the prohibition of lead-based paint on outdoor structures. This Act also requires owners of existing structures with lead-based paint to assess the lead-based paint hazard on the owner’s structure within 2 years of the effective date of this Act. The assessment must be done by a licensed lead inspector and if a hazard is found, a report must be submitted to DHSS and DNREC and a remedial action plan must be implemented. It further clarifies that DNREC, in addition to DHSS, has enforcement authority over Chapter 30M of Title 16, relating to lead-based paint on outdoor structures.]]> Thu, 18 Jun 2026 13:13:04 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143566 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 30 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO SHORT-TERM RENTAL LODGING TAX.

This Act requires that accommodations intermediaries collect short-term rental tax for a municipality. ]]> Wed, 17 Jun 2026 12:52:42 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143192 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLES 3, 4, AND 16 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO HEMP, MARIJUANA, AND MARIJUANA PRODUCTS.

The General Assembly recognizes that Delaware’s industrial hemp farmers and processors play an important role in the State’s agricultural economy and that non-intoxicating industrial hemp products are lawful and should continue to be cultivated, produced, and sold in accordance with state and federal law. Nothing in this Act is intended to criminalize lawful industrial hemp or disrupt the legitimate industrial hemp industry. The General Assembly finds that an unregulated market for intoxicating THC consumable products has emerged in Delaware, notwithstanding prior legislation making clear that intoxicating products derived from the cannabis plant are marijuana and must be sold only in licensed, regulated establishments. Intoxicating consumable products containing high levels of THC are now widely available in retail outlets, many of which operate in and target our most vulnerable communities. These products are frequently sold without age restrictions, product testing, potency limits, or meaningful labeling, and are often marketed in ways that make them especially appealing and accessible to minors. This Act reaffirms Delaware’s commitment to a responsible adult-use marijuana industry by ensuring that all cannabis-related products sold in this State meet the highest standards of health and safety. To that end, the Act strengthens the requirement that consumable products containing a specified level of THC, regardless of their source, be sold only through licensed establishments and be subject to appropriate regulatory oversight. By ensuring these products are integrated into Delaware’s existing, comprehensive regulatory framework for adult-use marijuana—which includes stringent testing, labeling, packaging, and age-restriction requirements—this Act safeguards public health and prevents unregulated intoxicating THC consumable products from undermining the safety protections established for Delawareans, particularly children and adolescents. ]]> Tue, 16 Jun 2026 22:02:36 -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. ]]> Tue, 16 Jun 2026 22:02:01 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143565 Delaware - Committee <div>AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 21 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO TRAFFIC MONITORING SYSTEMS.<br><br>Like House Bill No. 442, this Substitute for House Bill No. 442 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. This Substitute requires that before citations may be issued for violations recorded by a traffic violation monitoring system, a warning period as prescribed by regulation must be provided for the traffic violation monitoring system. This Substitute further allows for counties and municipalities with a county or municipal police department to place and receive revenue from traffic monitoring systems within the county or municipality, and for revenue from traffic monitoring systems to be used to reimburse costs of the courts to address appeals of citations issued based on the traffic violation monitoring systems. This Substitute also adds a 10-year sunset provision to House Bill No. 442.</div> Tue, 16 Jun 2026 13:09:13 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143559 Delaware - Committee <div>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.<br><br>This Act requires enhanced informed consent before administering vaccines to infants under 12 months of age. This Chapter shall be used to promote transparency in informed consent and thorough investigation of Sudden Unexpected Infant Deaths. Nothing in this chapter shall: (1) Create or imply any causal relationship between vaccination and sudden unexpected infant death, (2) Restrict discourage, or interfere with the administration or recommendation of vaccinations, (3) Alter the standard of care of the diagnosis of SUID, or (4) Create any new private right of action or expand existing liability for healthcare providers or medical examiners. Before a vaccine is given, the vaccine administrator must confirm with the parent or guardian that the healthcare provider fully explained the vaccine(s) and answered all questions. If questions remain, the questions must be answered before the vaccine is administered. The form used to verify the lot number of the vaccine must be altered to include a check box verifying discussion was completed and all questions answered. The Act also required documentation history of every SUID investigation and when death occurs within seven days of the vaccination, documentation consideration was given of any potential association consistent with CDC Guidelines, without creating any presumption of causation. These measures respond to the family's request for greater transparency following the loss of healthy infants while preserving access to recommended immunizations, and affirming nothing in this act implies a casual link between vaccination and SUID.</div> Tue, 16 Jun 2026 13:09:13 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143534 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 18 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO LINE-OF-DUTY DEATH BENEFITS.

This Act grants line-of-duty death benefits under Title 18, Chapter 66 to county or municipal public works employees working in job-related activities to construct, repair, or maintain public works infrastructure.]]> Fri, 12 Jun 2026 15:27:32 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143533 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 15 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO AUTOMATIC VOTER REGISTRATION VERIFICATION AND ONGOING ELIGIBILITY REVIEW.

This 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.]]> Fri, 12 Jun 2026 15:27:32 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143433 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 25 AND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE HOMEOWNERSHIP USING SAVINGS AND EARNINGS PLAN ACT.

This Act creates a first-time home buyers' savings plan, called the Homeownership Using Savings and Earnings Plan (the HOUSE Plan), to ignite future homeownership in Delaware by helping residents save for their first home. The HOUSE Plan offers a practical solution that encourages financial responsibility and long-term planning by allowing individuals to save and use funds for eligible costs associated with purchasing a home, such as down payments and closing costs, and costs associated with acquiring a rental lease for a primary residence, such as security deposits and payment of the first month of rent. Earnings on amounts held in in a HOUSE Plan account accrue free from Delaware income taxation. This Act sets how much account holders may contribute, both annually and over the lifetime of an account, and specifies annual income caps for eligibility to open an account. Funds must be used within 20 years after the account is opened. This Act also establishes the HOUSE Plan Board to oversee the design, implementation, and preliminary administration of the Plan. This Act makes homeownership more attainable, builds generational wealth, and strengthens communities, without direct state spending.]]> Fri, 12 Jun 2026 14:43:25 -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, 11 Jun 2026 21:00:31 -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, 11 Jun 2026 20:59:38 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143424 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 16 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE PURCHASE AND SALE OF ENERGY DRINKS AND CAFFEINNATED SUPPLEMENTS.

This House Substitute for House Bill No. 394 creates a process for which the Division of Public Health creates signage stating that energy drinks and caffeinated dietary supplements are not recommended for children, individuals sensitive to caffeine, pregnant women, or women who are nursing. Dealers of energy drinks and caffeinated dietary supplements are then required to display the sign in a publicly visible location next to the products. ]]> Thu, 11 Jun 2026 20:56:06 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142638 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 16 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO REDUCING THE AUTOMATIC PROVISION OF SINGLE-USE EATING UTENSILS, CONDIMENT PACKETS, AND OTHER ITEMS.

This Substitute to House Bill No. 111 prohibits food establishments from providing any single-use food service items unless requested by a customer, requires food establishments to provide options to allow the customer to request such items, prohibits food establishments from inquiring into the reason for a request for single-use food service items, and allows food establishments to maintain self-serve stations at which single-use food service items are available. This Substitute sets forth penalties for third and subsequent violations of this Act, not to exceed a cumulative total of $1,500 per year. This Substitute exempts, for purposes of this Act, nonprofit organizations, schools, early childhood centers, health care facilities, facilities operated by the Department of Children, Youth, and Their Families, and Level IV and Level V Department of Correction facilities from the definition of “food establishment.” The penalty provisions of this Act are effective 2 years after enactment. This Substitute includes language to clarify that “single-use food service items” do not include items used to contain or secure food or beverages that are delivered, picked up, or taken to go from a food establishment, such as cups, boxes, sandwich picks, wrappers, and bags. Also for clarity and to address confusion arising out of House Substitute No. 1 to House Bill No. 111, this Substitute does not include an unchanged subsection of existing code that is unaffected by and does not affect the provisions of this Act.]]> Thu, 11 Jun 2026 20:51:59 -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.]]> Thu, 11 Jun 2026 20:11:43 -0400 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, 11 Jun 2026 20:09:30 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143522 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 6 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO 3-DIMENSIONAL PRINTERS AND FIREARMS.

This Act requires that all 3D printers sold or delivered in the State be equipped with blocking technology that prevents 3D printers from being used to create firearms or firearm parts. All 3D printer manufacturers must submit to the Attorney General a sworn attestation that they have equipped a make and model with blocking technology in order for sales and deliveries of the make and model to be lawful in the State. Before the ban goes into effect, this Act directs the Attorney General to create a working group that will recommend the minimum safety standards a 3D printer’s blocking technology must meet in order to comply with the requirements of this Act. The working group must also determine the feasibility of requiring 3D printers include blocking technology. If the working group determines the requirement is feasible, the Attorney General is authorized to do the following: (1) Promulgate rules and regulations establishing performance standards for 3D printing blocking technology. (2) Facilitate the creation of a library that securely holds 3D files that are banned under this Act to be used in the creation of blocking technology. The prohibition on the selling or delivery of any 3D printer not equipped with blocking technology is effective 6 months after notice by the Attorney General is published in the Register of Regulations that final regulations to implement this Act have been adopted. ]]> Thu, 11 Jun 2026 12:35:43 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143504 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE IN REGARD TO THE OFFICE OF THE COMMON INTEREST COMMUNITY OMBUDSPERSON.

This Act provides for the creation of three Deputy Ombudspersons who can assist the Common Interest Community Ombudsperson by serving as the main point of contact in each of the three Counties. These Deputy Ombudspersons will also be permitted to assist with investigations of alleged violations under this Chapter, and will have powers and duties as delegated by the Ombudsperson. Also established is a Common Interest Community Ombudsperson Fund, to be funded by Appropriations made by the General Assembly, Grants and contributions from other sources, and fees collected for various forms of alternative dispute resolution. These funds are to be used to support the infrastructure of the Office, fund the salary of the Deputy Ombudspersons, and various other costs.]]> Wed, 10 Jun 2026 12:57:09 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143503 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 20 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO DELAWARE VETERANS MEMORIAL CEMETERY.

This Act gives the Secretary of the Delaware Department of Veterans Affairs discretion to allow interment of a member of the Delaware National Guard who served for less than 20 years.]]> Wed, 10 Jun 2026 12:57:06 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143410 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 10 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO INDIVIDUALS EXPERIENCING 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. 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. No monetary or punitive damages may be awarded under this Act. This Act specifically waives sovereign immunity. This Act is named in honor of Dr. DeBorah Gilbert White. ]]> Thu, 04 Jun 2026 13:35:48 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143417 Delaware - Committee ESTABLISHING A TASK FORCE TO STUDY AND MODERNIZE DELAWARE’S PROCUREMENT, GRANTMAKING, AND CONTRACTING PRACTICES WITH CONTRACTED SERVICE PROVIDERS.

This House Joint Resolution establishes the Delaware Task Force on Procurement and Contracting Modernization. It also requires the Task Force to submit a report by September 30, 2027, with its findings and recommendations and any recommended legislation to improve Delaware’s procurement, grantmaking, and contracting practices.]]> Thu, 04 Jun 2026 13:35:48 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143450 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 14 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION ENDOWMENT.

This Act establishes an Early Childhood Education Endowment. For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, the State Treasurer is directed to transfer 1% of the annual revenue from the Corporate Franchise Tax to initially fund the Endowment. The Endowment is invested by the State Treasurer under a fiduciary standard. Programmatic administration and disbursement of released funds is the responsibility of the Department of Education in consultation with the IRMC to oversee the operation, expansion, and disbursements of the Endowment. Annual draw rates are capped at the prior fiscal year's net investment return on endowment assets and may not exceed 7.5% of total endowment balances in any year. The State Treasurer sets the draw rate after reviewing investment performance, endowment growth projections, and long-term sustainability. The State Treasurer may commingle endowment assets with other State Treasurer-managed investment portfolios for efficiency, provided that the endowment's proportionate share of income and gains is separately accounted for. "Expansion costs" include expenses to increase early child care and education program provider payment rates, increase equitable access and affordability of high quality early childhood education, extend the hours of operation covered, or to sustain such services. "Programmatic costs" include costs for parent and early child care and education enrollment campaigns, local governance partners, needs assessment technical assistance, facilities program technical assistance, and workforce recruitment and scholarships for educators. Not later than June 30 of each year, the State Treasurer must submit to the IRMC and the General Assembly an annual endowment report including: (1) total endowment market value; (2) net investment return for the prior fiscal year; (3) the draw rate authorized for the current fiscal year and the basis for that determination, including a 10-year sustainability projection; (4) total funds released to DOE and the purposes for which such funds were expended; and (5) any recommended adjustments to the draw rate for the ensuing fiscal year. Not later than January 1, 2033, and every 5 years thereafter, the Secretary of DOE must prepare an impact analysis concerning the operations of the Early Childhood Education Endowment and the effect that the expenditure of funds from the endowment has had on the availability, affordability, and quality of early child care in the State. ]]> Thu, 04 Jun 2026 13:35:47 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143440 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 21 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO MOTOR VEHICLES.

This Act creates civil penalties for vehicles that obstruct pedestrian right-of-ways. Fines range from $100-$300 depending on the number of offenses committed within a 12-month span. This bill also prohibits individuals from using public spaces, such as streets or public parking, to sell, store, service, detail, or work on cars. It also allows law enforcement to issue a ticket or tow a car that is in violation of this law. Civil penalties range from $100-$300 per violation. ]]> Thu, 04 Jun 2026 13:35:46 -0400 153 https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143438 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 14 AND TITLE 31 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO BACKGROUND CHECKS.

This Act establishes that a fingerprint-based criminal background check and Child Protection Registry check completed for a volunteer for one public school is valid at any other public school in the State for the duration of the check’s validity period. This Act also includes public school volunteers in the State's continuous "Rap Back System" for ongoing monitoring and provides that the State must bear the costs associated with obtaining these checks for approved volunteers. This Act is effective immediately and is to be implemented on the earlier of 1 year from the date of enactment or publication of notice by the Department of Education that final regulations have been promulgated.]]> Thu, 04 Jun 2026 12:23:58 -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=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=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=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=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=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=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=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=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=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=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=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=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=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=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=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=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=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=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=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=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=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=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=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=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=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=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=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=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=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=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=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