http://www.legis.delaware.gov/ Legislation In Committee with the State of Delaware en-us Fri, 17 Apr 2026 13:21:03 -0400 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143118 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 30 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO TOBACCO PRODUCT TAXATION AND LICENSING.

House Substitute No. 1 for House Bill No. 215 differs from House Bill No. 215 as follows: this substitute provides a definition of a premium cigar and modifies the tax rate changes in House Bill 215 by setting the tax rate for other tobacco products at 40% of the wholesale price, maintaining the tax for premium cigars at 30% of the wholesale price, and setting the tax rate for vapor products at 10 cents per fluid milliliter. A definition of “nicotine pouch” is added. As with House Bill 215, House Substitute No.1 increases the cigarette tax rate to $3.60 per pack, increases some license fees, and changes the definition of “tobacco products” to include more items. This substitute bill sets the effective date of the tax rate increases as September 1, 2026, and the effective date of the increased license fees as January 1, 2027. This Act requires a greater than majority vote for passage because § 10 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 increase the effective rate of a tax or fee levied by the State. ]]> Fri, 17 Apr 2026 13:21:03 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143116 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 24 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO DENTAL HYGIENE.

This Act expands the scope of practice for dental hygienists in this State. Allowing dental hygienists to use the full range of their education and expertise when providing oral health services will help alleviate provider shortages that make it challenging for Delawareans to obtain dental care. In particular, this Act will help fill gaps in access to preventative oral health care. Oral health is inseparable from overall health, and patients are best served when care is delivered through an integrated, team-based model. Dental hygienists play a vital and respected role in prevention, education, and early identification of disease. A collaborative dental team where each provider practices at the top of their education within a structured system of referral, communication, and accountability ensures patients receive timely preventative services along with accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. This approach strengthens access while preserving the standard of care and protecting the public. This Act grants dental hygienists the authority to do all of the following, in addition to the services they currently provide: 1. Administer and dispense topical agents under the standing order of a dentist providing general supervision. 2. Prescribe, administer, and dispense fluoride under the standing order of a dentist providing general supervision 3. Apply sealants without the need for a dentist to examine a patient beforehand, provided a dentist will see the patient within 12 months of receiving treatment. 4. Engage in dental hygiene assessment and treatment planning within the scope of the authority of a dental hygienist as defined by the Board of Dentistry and Denal Hygiene based on education and experience. 5. Provide direct access to prophylaxis without the need for a dentist to examine a patient beforehand, provided a dentist will see the patient within 12 months of receiving treatment. 6. Directly supervise dental assistants in a manner to be prescribed by the Board of Dentistry and Dental Hygiene. This Act also makes technical corrections to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual.]]> Fri, 17 Apr 2026 13:19:18 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142209 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLES 11 AND 24 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO FIREARMS.

This Act directs the Department of Safety and Homeland Security (DSHS) to develop a Firearm Responsibilities Notice for distribution to gun purchasers to ensure dissemination of important information relating to safe and lawful handling of firearms. It mandates that licensed importers, manufacturers, and dealers cannot sell, transfer, or deliver a firearm to another person without requiring the buyer to review and sign a Firearm Responsibilities Notice. Licensed dealers that provide background checks to facilitate a sale between unlicensed persons are also responsible for providing a copy of the Firearm Responsibilities Notice to the prospective buyer and retaining a copy of the Firearm Responsibilities Notice signed by the prospective buyer. The purpose of the Firearm Responsibilities Notice is to deter straw purchases and other illegal transfer of firearms, to ensure awareness of Delaware’s gun safety laws, and to increase the reporting of lost or stolen firearms. The Firearm Responsibilities Notice is also intended to prevent accidental shootings by providing information on gun safety and available gun safety courses. It is also designed to reduce suicides by providing the national suicide prevention hotline number. This bill requires licensed firearm dealers to securely maintain a record of all signed Firearm Responsibilities Notices. This bill tasks the Department with creating the Firearm Responsibilities Notice, in consultation with the Department of Justice and other stakeholders, posting the Firearm Responsibilities Notice to its website, and providing (free of charge) the Firearm Responsibilities Notice to licensed importers, licensed manufacturers, and licensed dealers in the State. All licensed deadly weapons dealers in this State are mandated to keep and securely store signed Firearm Responsibilities Notices for at least 3 years as part of the records required to be kept and maintained in the place of business at all times. A violation of provisions of Title 24 relating to records or background checks for sales between unlicensed persons is already a misdemeanor, punishable by a maximum fine of $250 or $500 and 6 months imprisonment. This law will expand the scope of those misdemeanors, thus requiring a 2/3 vote. The bill is effective 180 days after enactment. The DSHS is required to conduct outreach to licensed importers, licensed manufacturers, and licensed dealers in Delaware prior to the effective date to make them aware of the new requirements imposed by this Act and provide access to the Firearm Responsibilities Notice as developed by the Department.]]> Thu, 16 Apr 2026 18:13:37 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142968 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 16 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO TATTOO PARLORS, BODY PIERCING ESTABLISHMENTS, AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING.

This Act requires tattoo parlors to post signs raising awareness about human trafficking. This Act also requires the Department of Health and Social Services to encourage tattoo parlors and body piercing establishments to have individuals working for them complete training on recognizing, responding, and reporting signs of human trafficking, as well as referring clients to resources for victims of human trafficking. The Department must provide or make available to tattoo parlors and body piercing establishments a list of nonprofit organizations that provide this training, which must be available at no cost to any person who works at a tattoo parlor or body piercing establishment. This Act takes effect 1 year after its enactment into law.]]> Thu, 16 Apr 2026 18:13:08 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142879 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 11 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO PRISONS AND PRISONERS.

This Act prohibits the Department of Corrections from entering into contracts with any for-profit entity for the use of inmate labor. This Act does not apply to § 6533 of Title 11 relating to outside employment and work release.]]> Thu, 16 Apr 2026 18:12:48 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142825 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 1 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO PUERTO RICO DAY.

This Act designates "Puerto Rico Day" as a ceremonial day to be commemorated annually on June 11 in Delaware.]]> Thu, 16 Apr 2026 18:12:23 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142802 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 24 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE INTERSTATE COMPACT FOR ATHLETIC TRAINERS.

This act establishes the Athletic Trainers Compact ("Compact"), which facilitates the interstate practice of athletic training and provides for athletic trainers licensed in a participating state the ability to practice in other participating states. The Compact sets forth the requirements to be met in order for a state to join and maintain membership in the Compact. Additionally, the Compact provides the requirements for an athletic trainer to obtain and exercise the ability to practice in the remote participating states. The Compact further provides that an athletic trainer with compact privilege shall function within the scope of practice of the state in which the patient is located and the remote practicing state. The athletic trainers also shall be subject to that remote state's regulatory authority. Participating states shall report any adverse action and significant investigative information to the Compact Data System. An adverse action against an athletic trainer in any participating state shall result in deactivation of the compact privilege during the pendency of the action. An encumbered license in a member state shall not be entitled to compact privilege until the encumbrance has passed and has exceeded two years since any encumbrance or restriction. Additionally, the Compact creates the Athletic Trainer Licensure Compact Commission ("Commission"), which is a joint government agency to administer and implement the Compact, and provides for its powers and duties. Each participating state shall be entitled to one delegate, who shall be selected within sixty days of the effective date, on the Commission. Additionally, there shall be an Executive Committee of the Commission to act on behalf of the Commission. Furthermore, the Compact shall come into effect on the date in which the seventh state enacts the Compact into law. Any participating state may withdraw from the Compact by repealing the Compact, but such withdrawal shall not take effect until 180 days after the enactment of the repeal. Finally, the Compact shall be binding upon participating states and shall supersede any conflict with state law. ]]> Thu, 16 Apr 2026 18:12:01 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143093 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 11 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO DETENTION FACILITIES.

House Substitute No. 2 for House Bill No. 151 prohibits the State, a unit of local government, or any agency, officer, employee, or agent thereof, from doing the following with respect to a detention facility owned, managed, or operated by a private entity: (1) Enter into an agreement of any kind for the detention of an individual with; (2) Pay, reimburse, subsidize, or defray in any way any cost related to the sale, purchase, construction, development, ownership, management, or operation of; (3) Receive per diem, per detainee, or any other payment related to the detention of an individual in; (4) Give any financial incentive or benefit to any private entity or person in connection with the sale, purchase, construction, development, ownership, management, or operation of. This House Substitute is different from House Bill No. 151 in the following ways: (1) It adds an exemption that excludes Residential Alternative to Detention facilities from the definition of a private detention facility. (2) It exempts facilities that house a program to provide services in a nonsecure residential setting for juveniles under the jurisdiction of Family Court from the definition of a private detention facility. It also provides a definition of “nonsecure residential setting”. The exemption for nonsecure residential settings for juveniles sunsets on February 1, 2028. This Substitute makes technical corrections to Section 3 of House Substitute No. 1 for House Bill No. 151. ]]> Thu, 16 Apr 2026 18:11:42 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143081 Delaware - Committee AN ACT AMENDING TITLES 10 AND 11 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO LAW ENFORCEMENT COOPERATION IN FEDERAL IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT.

This Act restricts State and local law-enforcement from cooperating with federal agencies conducting civil immigration enforcement activities at child-serving entities, institutions of higher education, places of worship, or health-care facilities except in exigent circumstances. This Act is a substitute for and differs from House Bill No. 94 and House Substitute 1 for House Bill No. 94 by simply prohibiting direct participation by law-enforcement in civil enforcement proceedings unless an exigent circumstance exists, rather than requiring the permission of the Attorney General. If law-enforcement does participate in such an activity because of an exigent circumstance, a report must be submitted to the Police Officer Standards and Training Commission and the Department of Safety and Homeland Security within 48 hours. These reports are to be aggregated in a biannual report and delivered to the General Assembly.]]> Thu, 16 Apr 2026 18:11:04 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143115 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 10 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO WRONGFUL CONVICTION COMPENSATION AND SERVICES.

This Act amends the Delaware Wrongful Conviction Compensation and Services Act (DWCCSA) in several ways. First, in order to make a prima facie showing of entitlement to compensation, under the Act, a petitioner must show that the petitioner did not commit a felony arising from the same transaction as the crime for which the petitioner was originally convicted. Second, the Act modifies what attorneys' fees may be recovered for an action to overturn, reverse, or vacate a conviction and an action under the DWCCSA. Under the Act, a petitioner who prevails on a cause of action against the state for wrongful conviction shall be awarded reasonable attorneys' fees, based on hours reasonably expended at the prevailing market rate for similar legal services in the state at the time of an award for damages for wrongful conviction, regardless of when the legal services were actually provided. Attorneys' fees may not exceed 15% of a damages award for wrongful conviction under § 7005(a) of Title 10. Attorneys' fees of $300,000 or less will be paid to the petitioner's attorneys in a lump sum; attorneys' fees in excess of $300,000 will be paid in annual installments of not more than $300,000, until the award is satisfied. Third, under the Act, the Office of Management and Budget takes over tasks and responsibilities that currently belong to the State Treasurer, including the annual adjustment in the amount of damages available under § 7005(a) of Title 10, management of the Wrongful Conviction Compensation Fund will exist with the legal services appropriation within the Office of Management and Budget, and the obligation to report quarterly to the Joint Finance Committee and the Controller General. The Act takes effect upon its enactment into law.]]> Thu, 16 Apr 2026 18:10:30 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143113 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 31 AND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO TECHNICAL UPDATES FOR THE DELAWARE HOSPITAL FOR THE CHRONICALLY ILL.

The Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS), through the Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities (DSAAPD), operates the Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill (DHCI), a Long-Term Care (LTC) facility in Smyrna, Delaware. DHCI is a facility of last resort for Delawareans that require a skilled nursing facility level of care and have no viable options for private nursing facility care. The Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill’s name no longer reflects the dignity of all residents who live there. The existing statute uses outdated and offensive language, often referring to residents as “inmates.” It does not align with current policies and procedures around operation and maintenance of DHCI or the skilled care, screening, and admission of its residents, nor does it recognize DHCI’s role as a skilled nursing facility that maintains a five-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). This bill provides a technical update to reflect DHCI’s current practices, policies and procedures as a LTC facility of last resort. It strikes outdated language and aligns the statute with current DHCI, state, CMS practices and requirements. Finally, this bill renames the Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill to the Eleanor Cain Center. It will be named in honor of Eleanor Lee Cain, who served as the DSAAPD director from 1973 to 2001 and was a champion for older adults.]]> Thu, 16 Apr 2026 18:10:14 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143117 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 5 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO MONEY TRANSMISSION.

This Act repeals the existing Chapter 23 of Title 5 and replaces it with the “Delaware Money Transmission and Virtual Currency Modernization Act.” This Act modernizes the State’s regulatory framework for money transmission and addresses the emergence of virtual currency. The Act allows the State Bank Commissioner to coordinate with other states in the licensing and supervision of money transmitters, utilizing the NMLS system. The Act establishes new safety and soundness standards, including a tiered net worth requirement based on total assets and updates surety bond requirements scaled to a licensee’s average daily money transmission liability. The Act standardizes receipt requirements for both fiat and virtual currency transactions, provides a 10-day refund window for certain transmissions, and establishes specific disclosure rules for payroll processing services. This Act provides a 6-month window for general compliance and a 1-year period for licensees to meet new net worth and permissible investment standards. This Act creates new regulatory framework for virtual currency business activity. It defines virtual currency and virtual currency business activity. It mandates specific consumer disclosures regarding the risks of virtual currency and establishes that virtual currency held by a licensee is a pro rata property interest not subject to the claims of the licensee’s creditors. The Act allows the Commissioner to adopt rules and regulations for the administration of this chapter. The Act is to be implemented the earlier of 1 year from the date of the Act’s enactment or notice from the State Banking Commissioner that final regulations have been promulgated. This Act requires a greater than majority vote for passage because § 1 of Article IX of the Delaware Constitution requires the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members elected to each house of the General Assembly to amend the general corporation law. ]]> Thu, 16 Apr 2026 18:09:55 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143042 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO CHILD SUPPORT.

This Act creates a presumption that parents are not liable for the care, maintenance, and support of children committed to DSCYF, or admitted to a service provided by DSCYF. The Family Court may order child support payments only if child support will not pose a barrier to parent reunification.]]> Thu, 16 Apr 2026 17:57:03 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143111 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE OFFICE OF GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION AND COMMUNITY SAFETY.

This Act codifies Executive Order No. 9 issued on May 1, 2025, by Governor Matthew Meyer regarding the establishment, within the Department of Safety and Homeland Security, of the Office of Gun Violence Prevention and Community Safety. ]]> Thu, 16 Apr 2026 12:41:04 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143110 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 11 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT AND COOPERATION.

This Act sets limits around the actions of law-enforcement agencies and officers, including the Department of Correction. Primarily, the bill prohibits detaining or extending the detention of any person based solely upon an immigration detainer or civil immigration warrant, with exceptions for a person who has been convicted of a violent felony, is a convicted sex offender, has 3 or more convictions for driving under the influence, or is a perpetrator of domestic violence. It also prohibits other law-enforcement actions relating to cooperation or enforcement of civil immigration law, requires certain reports from law-enforcement agencies, and grants the Attorney General investigative and enforcement power.]]> Thu, 16 Apr 2026 12:41:04 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143109 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 11 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO LAW ENFORCEMENT IDENTIFICATION.

This Act requires every law enforcement agency in Delaware to adopt and publicly post a written policy requiring officers to display identification while performing enforcement duties. Identification must include the officer’s agency and a name, a badge number, or both. This Act also recognizes that there are circumstances where identification cannot or should not be displayed. It creates exceptions for: • Officers engaged in active undercover operations. • Officers wearing personal protective equipment (such as gas masks or respirators) that prevents identification from being visible. • Exigent circumstances, including imminent threats to people or property, an escape in progress, or the destruction of evidence. • Cases where there is a specific and articulable threat to the physical safety of the officer if identification is displayed. To ensure accountability, this Act makes failure to display identification a violation. Repeated violations may result in an unclassified misdemeanor, underscoring the seriousness of the requirement. This Act serves to empower Delaware law enforcement officers to intervene and verify the identity of any person claiming or otherwise acting as law enforcement but who fails to display clear identification, but nothing in this Act diminishes the discretion of law enforcement officers to determine whether it is appropriate to stop or charge any person. This Act also strikes a balance by giving the public confidence that law enforcement officers can be identified and held accountable while also preserving officer safety and operational effectiveness.]]> Thu, 16 Apr 2026 12:41:04 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143105 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 6 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO PERSONAL DATA PRIVACY.

This Act amends the Delaware Personal Data Privacy Act (DPDPA), Chapter 12D of Title 6, originally enacted in 2023, to more closely align the DPDPA with similar consumer data protection laws enacted in other states. This Act amends the applicability threshold of the DPDPA to entities who process the personal data of not less than 15,000 consumers, which on a population percentage basis closely aligns to thresholds in Connecticut and New Jersey. This Act amends Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) applicability exemptions, adopting approaches to financial data in similar laws in Connecticut, Montana, and Oregon, by exempting all data regulated by GLBA while limiting entity-level exemptions specifically to banks and insurers and their respective affiliates. This Act introduces contracting and due diligence requirements where businesses sell or disclose personal data to third parties and also harmonizes several DPDPA business requirements and consumer rights with personal data privacy laws in other states. This Act also makes technical changes to existing law to conform to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual. ]]> Thu, 16 Apr 2026 12:41:04 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143107 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 6 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO COMPUTER SECURITY BREACHES.

This Act amends Chapter 12B of Title 6 relating to Computer Security Breaches to clarify when businesses must provide notice of a computer security breach to the Attorney General.]]> Thu, 16 Apr 2026 12:41:04 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143106 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 11 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO LAW ENFORCEMENT IDENTIFICATION.

This Act prohibits law-enforcement officers from wearing facial coverings that obscure the identity of the individual wearing them in the course of their duties, with exceptions for undercover operations and exigent circumstances. This Act ensures that law enforcement officers in Delaware cannot wear masks or facial coverings that hide their identity when they are carrying out their official duties. Our community deserves to know who is enforcing the law, and clear identification is essential to building trust between residents and law enforcement. When law enforcement officers are acting in public and exercising authority, people should be able to see their faces. This improves accountability, strengthens public confidence, and makes Delaware safer for everyone. The bill defines “facial covering” to include items like balaclavas, ski masks, or tactical masks that obscure the face. It does not ban protective equipment such as medical masks, respirators, or breathing devices that officers need for health and safety, nor does it interfere with undercover operations that require anonymity. It also specifically exempts undercover operations that occur during the course of a criminal investigation or for SWAT teams that are specially trained police units used in high-risk situations that go beyond the capacity of regular patrol officers. This Act serves to empower Delaware law enforcement officers to intervene and verify the identity of any person claiming or otherwise acting as law enforcement while wearing a facial covering, but nothing in this Act diminishes the discretion of law enforcement officers to determine whether it is appropriate to stop or charge any person.]]> Thu, 16 Apr 2026 12:41:04 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143103 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 3 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE DELAWARE AGRICULTURAL LANDS PRESERVATION ACT.

This Act removes the requirement that the counties each establish a Farmland Preservation Advisory Board. This Act also makes technical corrections to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual.]]> Thu, 16 Apr 2026 12:41:04 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142977 Delaware - Committee DIRECTING THE DELAWARE JUDICIARY TO ESTABLISH A PILOT COURT DATE REMINDER PROGRAM AND TO STUDY AND REPORT ON THE FEASIBILITY OF EXPANDING THE PROGRAM STATEWIDE.

This Senate Joint Resolution recognizes that missed court appearances create costs for the justice system and negative consequences for individuals, and that reminder notifications can reduce failure-to-appear rates. It directs the Delaware Judiciary to report on the cost, timeline, and requirements to build a court date reminder program for the Justice of the Peace Court and to expand it to the Court of Common Pleas, Family Court, and Superior Court and provides that DELJIS shall build the program if funding is appropriated.]]> Thu, 16 Apr 2026 12:41:04 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142910 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 10, TITLE 13, AND TITLE 16 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE UNIFORM PARENTAGE ACT.

This Act adopts the 2017 updates to the Uniform Parentage Act ("Uniform Act") authored by the Uniform Law Commission. Delaware 's current law related to parentage is based on the Uniform Law Commission's 2000 version of the Uniform Parentage Act. The Uniform Law Commission’s website states that it “provides states with non-partisan, well-conceived and well-drafted legislation that brings clarity and stability to critical areas of state statutory law.” The 2017 updates to the Uniform Act have been adopted by 11 states and is pending before the Pennsylvania state legislature. This Act, through the adoption of the Uniform Act, does all of the following: (1) Removes gendered terms throughout this Act to ensure equal treatment of children born to same-sex couples. In Obergefell v. Hodges, 135 S. Ct. 2584 (2015), the U.S. Supreme Court held that laws barring marriage between two people of the same sex are unconstitutional. And, in Pavan v. Smith, 137 S. Ct. 2075, 2078-79 (2017), the U.S. Supreme Court held that a state may not deny married same-sex couples recognition on their children’s birth certificates that the state grants to married different-sex couples. After these decision, parentage laws that treat same-sex couples differently than different-sex couples may be unconstitutional. These changes are also consistent with Delaware’s efforts to write laws using gender silent language unless a solely masculine or feminine term is required to apply a law to 1 gender. See § 211(c) of Title 1 of the Delaware Code. Specifically, these changes include broadening the provisions of Delaware’s parentage law related to the presumption of parentage (Section 11 of this Act), acknowledgment of parentage (Sections 12 through 26 of this Act), genetic testing (Sections 41 through 52 of this Act), and assisted reproduction (Sections 82 through 89 of this Act) to make them gender neutral. (2) Includes a provision for the establishment of a de facto parent as a legal parent of a child. A de facto parent is one who functions as a parent to the child but is unconnected through biology or marriage. This is not a change for Delaware, which has recognized de facto parents in Delaware’s definition of parent in Delaware’s parentage law since 2010. This Act moves the process for establishing de facto parentage to § 8-609 of Title 13 (Section 62 of this Act) to be part of the provisions related to adjudicating parentage, as establishing de facto parentage requires a judicial determination. (3) Updates the assisted reproduction provisions of Delaware’s parentage law, including the parental status of a deceased individual addressing issues similar to those raised by Senate Substitute No. 1 for Senate Bill No. 119 (153rd General Assembly). Specifically, the Uniform Act would treat a deceased individual as a parent of a child conceived by assisted reproduction if the embryo is in utero not later than 36 months after the individual’s death or the child was born not later than 45 months after the individual’s death and if one of the following apply: a. The individual consented in a record to be a parent if assisted reproduction occurs after the individual’s death. b. The individual’s intent to be a parent after the individual’s death is established by clear-and-convincing evidence. (4) Updates the surrogacy provisions of Delaware’s parentage law to reflect recent scientific, legal, and cultural developments in surrogacy practice (See Section 90 of this Act). Delaware’s parentage law currently includes a gestational carrier law and this Act continues that law and adds procedures related to a genetic carrier, which is an individual who is not an intended parent but becomes pregnant through assisted reproduction using the individual’s own gamete. Specifically, §§ 8-801 through 8-807 establish the rules that apply to both types of carrier agreements. Sections 8-808 through 8-813 includes the current rules that apply to gestational carrier agreements. Sections 8-814 through 8-821 adopts the Uniform Act’s rules that apply to genetic carrier agreements. (5) Adopts 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 suggests 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. The Uniform Act specifically does the following: a. Requires gamete banks and fertility clinics to collect and retain both identifying information and nonidentifying medical history about gamete donors. b. Requires gamete banks and fertility centers to 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. c. With regard to identifying information, provides 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. (6) Makes technical corrections that conform existing law to current standards of legislative drafting, consistent with the Uniform Act and the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual. (7) Consolidates or transfers existing provisions of Delaware’s Parentage Act to ensure logical organization of the law consistent with the Uniform Act, including the following: a. Definitions related to genetic testing, which are transferred from § 8-102 to § 8-501 (Section 41 of this Act). b. Provisions related to genetic testing, which are transferred to § 8-503(e) and (h) (Section 43 of this Act) from § 8-622 (Section 70 of this Act). c. Provisions related to the admissibility of results of genetic testing, which are transferred to § 8-606 (Section 59 of this Act) from § 8-621 (Section 69 of this Act). d. Provisions adjudicating parentage of a child with an alleged genetic parent, which are transferred to § 8-607 (Section 60 of this Act) from §§ 8-622, 8-623, 8-631, and 8-634 (regarding adjudicating parentage by default) (Sections 70, 71, 73, and 76 of this Act). e. Provisions adjudicating parentage of a child with a presumed parent, which are transferred to § 8-608 (Section 61 of this Act) from § 8-607 (Section 60 of this Act). f. Provisions adjudicating parentage of a child with an acknowledged parent, which are transferred to § 8-610 (Section 63 of this Act) from § 8-609 (Section 62 of this Act). g. Provisions adjudicating parentage of a child with an adjudicated parent, which are transferred to § 8-611 (Section 64 of this Act) from § 8-609 (Section 62 of this Act). h. Provisions adjudicating parentage of a child with an acknowledged parent, which are transferred to § 8-610 (Section 63 of this Act) from § 8-609 (Section 62 of this Act). i. Provisions related to issuing temporary orders, which are transferred to § 8-615 (Section 67 of this Act) from § 8-609 (Section 62 of this Act). j. Provisions related to combining proceedings, which are transferred to § 8-616 (Section 67 of this Act) from § 8-610 (Section 63 of this Act). k. Provisions related to proceedings before birth, which are transferred to § 8-617 (Section 67 of this Act) from § 8-611 (Section 64 of this Act). l. Provisions related to the child being a party and representated, which are transferred to § 8-618 (Section 67 of this Act) from § 8-612 (Section 65 of this Act). m. Provisions related to the court adjudicating parentage, which are transferred to § 8-619 (Section 67 of this Act) from § 8-632 (Section 74 of this Act). n. Provisions related to dismissal for want of prosecution, which are transferred to § 8-621 (Section 69 of this Act) from § 8-635 (Section 77 of this Act). o. Provisions related to orders adjudicating parentage, which are transferred to § 8-622 (Section 70 of this Act) from § 8-636 (Section 78 of this Act). p. Provisions related to the binding effect of a determination of parentage, which are transferred to § 8-623 (Section 71 of this Act) from § 8-637 (Section 79 of this Act). q. Miscellaneous provisions currently in subchapter IX which are transferred to subchapter X to allow for the inclusion of new provisions related to information about donors of gametes or embryos intended for use in assisted reproduction. (8) In Sections 98 through 125 of this Act, makes changes to conform existing law to the changes made by the Uniform Act. The majority of these changes ensure consistent usage of terms and definitions used by the Uniform Act.]]> Thu, 16 Apr 2026 12:41:04 -0400 153 https://www.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://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143100 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 11 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THEFT.

Scams and fraud related to gift cards are rapidly becoming a major issue in the United States. The Federal Trade Commission reported more than 41,000 gift card fraud reports or $212 million in losses in 2024 with the final numbers for 2025 expected to be similar. With advancements in technology, these scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated and consequential for consumers. This Act sets forth the definitions and elements of crimes related to gift card theft. It establishes that a person is guilty of gift card theft if one of the following criteria is true (with the intent to defraud): 1. Acquires or retains possession of a gift card or gift card redemption information without the consent of the cardholder, card issuer, or gift card seller. 2. Alters or tampers with a gift card or the packaging in which it is offered for sale. 3. Devises a scheme to obtain a gift card or gift card redemption information that has been obtained in violation of paragraph (b)(1) or (2) of this section or as a result of a scheme described in paragraph (b)(3) of this section. 4. Uses, for the purpose of obtaining money, goods, services, or anything else of value, a gift card or gift card redemption information that has been obtained in violation of paragraph (b)(1) or (2) of this section or as a result of a scheme described in paragraph (b)(3) of this section. Lastly, this Act establishes that gift card theft is punishable under § 841(c) and § 841(d) of Title 11.]]> Wed, 15 Apr 2026 18:41:34 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143099 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 14 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO SCHOOL-BASED OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS.

This Act clarifies the pay schedule for school-based occupational therapists. Due to varying program lengths, such as accelerated programs, and the different methods of how colleges and universities award credits, it is challenging to accurately and equitably determine the appropriate lane on the salary schedule for school-based occupational therapists. This Act creates a uniform baseline for school-based occupational therapists on the salary schedule in a manner similar to other school-based clinicians such as audiologists and speech-language pathologists.]]> Wed, 15 Apr 2026 18:41:21 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143096 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 31 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO CHILD CARE ASSISTANCE.

This Act requires that the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) regulations for Purchase of Care (POC), this state's child care assistance program, provide authorization for a child care provider a child will attend during the summer at any time after January 1 because current regulations do not provide authorization for summer care early enough for families to enroll children in summer camps before camps are full. This requirement is consistent with existing POC regulations that allow families to have 2 child care providers if child care is needed at different hours or locations or in the event the primary provider is unavailable. Existing POC regulations also allow families to interrupt their child care assistance with a break during the summer without requiring reapplications for care when school resumes in September. In addition, this Act requires that parent copayments be based on whether the child receives assistance for a full or half day of child care and codifies the following POC policies in existing regulations: • Parent copayments are determined based on household size and income. • Children in the custody of the Department of Services for Children, Youth and their Families are eligible for POC assistance. 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. This Act also adds the name of this State's child care assistance program, "Purchase of Care" or "POC" to Chapter 5 of Title 31and makes technical corrections to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual.]]> Wed, 15 Apr 2026 18:41:08 -0400 153 https://www.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://www.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://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143076 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 require insurers to cover the costs of cochlear implants. This Act is a substitute for Senate Bill No. 269. Like 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 no cost to the covered individual, 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 differs from Senate Bill No. 269 in the following ways: 1) Includes external sound processors in the definition of a cochlear implant. 2) Clarifies that, for group health policies and the state employee health plan, the required coverage of hearing-aid related parts and services is also 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. This Act applies to all policies, contracts, or certificates issued, renewed, modified, altered, amended, or reissued after December 31, 2027.]]> Wed, 15 Apr 2026 16:49:27 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143070 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 5 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO STABLECOINS.

This Act is a substitute for and differs from Senate Bill No. 19 by doing the following: (1) Reorganizing the proposed "Delaware Payment Stablecoins Act" as Chapter 35 of Title 5, rather than Chapter 40 as originally proposed in Senate Bill No. 19. (2) Creating § 3508, which restricts non-financial public companies from issuing payment stablecoins. (3) Creating § 3518, which establishes a voluntary registration pathway for digital asset service providers rather than through the licensing process as originally proposed in Senate Bill No. 19. (4) Creating § 3556, which establishes procedures for the insolvency of a payment stablecoin issuer. (5) Creating a new definition of “control” to better align with the bill. (6) Making appropriate technical corrections to conform to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual. This Act establishes the Delaware Payment Stablecoin Act under Title 5 of the Delaware Code. It creates a licensing framework for payment stablecoin issuers and digital asset service providers operating with or on behalf of Delaware residents. The Act adopts definitions drawn from the federal Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins Act (GENIUS Act), Pub. L. 119-27, and from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency's proposed rulemaking implementing that statute (Docket ID OCC-2025-0372), where those definitions do not duplicate existing Delaware law. The Act establishes reserve requirements including reserve shortfall remediation cascades, mandatory redemption timing standards, capital standards, anti-money laundering obligations, data privacy statutory floors, change-in-control notice procedures, custody safeguards, a federal-to-state charter conversion pathway, and strong preemption provisions. The State Bank Commissioner is directed to promulgate implementing regulations within specified timeframes to align Delaware's framework with evolving federal standards. This Act requires a greater than majority vote for passage because § 1 of Article IX of the Delaware Constitution requires the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members elected to each house of the General Assembly to enact or amend the general incorporation law.]]> Wed, 15 Apr 2026 16:47:49 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142987 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 5 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO DELAWARE BANKS AND TRUST COMPANIES.

This Act, known as the “Delaware Banking Modernization Act of 2026,” amends Title 5 of the Delaware Code to update and modernize various provisions of the Delaware Banking Code. The Act addresses digital assets, expands the State Bank Commissioner’s authority, modernizes corporate governance and organizational requirements for state-chartered banks and trust companies, facilitates interstate trust company operations and conversions, and expands the authority of out-of-state financial institutions to act as fiduciaries in Delaware. The following is a section-by-section summary of the Act’s provisions: Section 1 provides that the Act may be cited as the “Delaware Banking Modernization Act of 2026.” Section 2 amends § 101 of Title 5 to add two new defined terms to the Delaware Banking Code’s general definitions. First, it adds a definition of “Digital Asset,” which means any digital representation of value recorded on a cryptographically-secured distributed ledger or similar technology, including virtual currency. Second, it adds a definition of “Virtual Currency,” which means a digital representation of value used as a medium of exchange, unit of account, or store of value that is not money and is not denominated in money. The definition excludes loyalty or rewards program credits that cannot be exchanged for money or bank credit, and digital representations of value issued by a publisher and used solely within an online game or game platform. Section 3 amends § 103 of Title 5 to expressly authorize the State Bank Commissioner to contract for and procure additional independent consulting, legal, technical, and professional services as needed to discharge the duties of the office. Section 4 amends § 167 of Title 5, which governs the definitions applicable to the change-of-control subchapter for Delaware-chartered banks and trust companies. The amendment makes two changes to the definition of “Control.” First, it modifies the presumption-of-control provision that applies when a person acquires 10 percent or more of a class of voting stock—replacing the phrase “an aggregate” proportion with “a greater” proportion and the word “the” with “that” to clarify the ownership comparison standard. Second, it adds new authority for the State Bank Commissioner to permit the establishment of banks and trust companies authorized to exercise all or fewer than all of the powers conferred by Title 5, including institutions whose powers are limited in their articles of association and by order of the Commissioner. The Commissioner is also authorized to promulgate regulations to carry out this authority, including adopting different application forms with varying requirements based on the risk profile of the proposed activities. Section 5 amends § 701 of Title 5 to clarify the application of Chapter 7 to banks and trust companies. It expressly authorizes the State Bank Commissioner to approve the establishment of institutions with "all or less than all" of the powers typically conferred by the chapter, including those with powers limited by their articles of association. It further grants the Commissioner regulatory authority to adopt different application requirements based on the underlying risks and proposed activities of the institution. Section 6 amends § 723 of Title 5 to provide that the articles of association of a state-chartered bank must state the number of directors, or the manner of fixing such number, which in no case may be fewer than five. This amendment adds flexibility by permitting the articles to specify a method for determining the number of directors rather than requiring a fixed number to be stated. Section 7 amends § 728 of Title 5 to update the information required in a bank’s articles of organization. The amendment modernizes the address requirement by replacing “residence and post-office address” with “business, post office or mailing address” for each officer of the corporation, reflecting contemporary address conventions. Section 8 amends § 742(a) of Title 5 to clarify that the number of directors constituting a bank’s board shall be “fixed by, or in the manner provided in,” the articles of association, rather than merely “specified in” the articles. This change is parallel to the amendment made in Section 5 and provides greater organizational flexibility while maintaining the five-director minimum. Section 9 amends § 761 of Title 5, which governs a bank’s authority to hold and manage personal property in a fiduciary capacity, by adding a new subsection (c) providing that “personal property” for purposes of that subchapter includes digital assets. This amendment ensures that Delaware-chartered banks exercising fiduciary powers may hold and administer digital assets on behalf of customers. Section 10 amends § 777 of Title 5 to remove a restriction on limited purpose trust companies that previously required such entities to be operated in a manner that would not attract customers from the general public to the substantial detriment of existing Delaware banks or trust companies. Removal of this provision is intended to eliminate a potentially anti-competitive restriction and facilitate the establishment of new limited purpose trust companies in Delaware. Section 11 amends § 783 of Title 5, which governs the merger of state banks and the conversion of national banks into state banks, by adding two new subsections. New subsection (b) provides that in a bank merger, all fiduciary appointments, designations, and nominations—including positions as trustee, executor, administrator, custodian, and guardian—automatically vest in the resulting bank without any court order, while preserving the right of any interested party to seek a judicial determination regarding continuation of fiduciary service. New subsection (c) provides the same automatic vesting of fiduciary rights for conversions of national banks or federal savings associations into state banks. Section 12 amends the title of Subchapter VII of Chapter 7 of Title 5 to rename it “Merger, Consolidation or Conversion with or of Out-of-State Banks and Out-of-State Trust Companies.” The amendment adds “Conversion” and “Out-of-State Trust Companies” to the subchapter title to reflect the expanded scope of the provisions contained in Sections 12 through 16 of this Act. Section 13 amends § 795 of Title 5 to add five new defined terms applicable to the interstate merger and conversion subchapter: (1) “Delaware state trust company,” meaning any trust company chartered under the laws of Delaware; (2) “Out-of-state trust company,” meaning an out-of-state state trust company or an out-of-state national trust bank; (3) “Out-of-state state trust company,” meaning any trust company chartered under another state’s laws that is not engaged in the business of receiving non-trust deposits; (4) “Out-of-state national trust bank,” meaning a national bank whose operations are limited to trust company activities not located in Delaware; and (5) “Trust Company,” meaning either a Delaware state trust company or an out-of-state trust company. Section 14 amends § 795A of Title 5 to broaden the express statement of legislative intent for the interstate banking subchapter. In addition to permitting interstate branching by merger under the Riegle-Neal Interstate Banking and Branching Efficiency Act of 1994, the amendment adds the stated intent of facilitating the relocation of out-of-state banks and out-of-state trust companies to Delaware. Section 15 amends § 795B of Title 5 to add a new subsection (d) permitting a Delaware state trust company, with prior written approval of the State Bank Commissioner, to establish, maintain, and operate branch offices, trust offices, or other places of business in other states pursuant to an interstate merger or conversion transaction in which the Delaware state trust company is the resulting entity. Section 16 amends § 795D of Title 5, which governs mergers and conversions resulting in a Delaware state bank, to add parallel provisions for out-of-state trust company mergers and conversions resulting in a Delaware state trust company. New subsection (c) authorizes out-of-state state banks to convert into Delaware state banks and out-of-state trust companies to convert into limited purpose trust companies with prior written approval of the State Bank Commissioner, subject to applicable federal and home-state law. New subsection (d) establishes a deemed-approval mechanism if the Commissioner takes no action within 30 days of receiving a completed conversion application. New subsection (e) sets forth the required application materials for a converting institution. New subsection (f) specifies that the legal effect of an approved conversion follows the procedures of Title 8, Chapter 1 (for corporations) or Title 6, Chapter 18 (for limited liability companies), as applicable. New subsection (g) conditions Commissioner approval on satisfaction that adequate provision has been made for successors to any fiduciary positions held by a merging or converting institution that will not exercise trust powers following the transaction. New subsections (h) and (i) provide for the automatic vesting of fiduciary appointments in the resulting bank or trust company following a merger or conversion, respectively, mirroring the provisions added to § 783 by Section 9 of this Act. Section 17 amends § 795I of Title 5 to add a new subsection (c) expressly authorizing a Delaware state trust company to conduct activities at any branch office or other place of business outside Delaware that are permissible for a Delaware state trust company and permissible under the laws of the state where the office is located. Section 18 amends § 913 of Title 5, which addresses the authority of national banks to act as fiduciaries in Delaware, to add a new subsection (b) extending comparable authority to banks and trust companies organized under the laws of any other state. Specifically, an out-of-state bank or trust company that is duly authorized under its home state’s laws and organizational documents to act in a fiduciary capacity may be appointed by will, deed of trust, or other agreement as executor, guardian, trustee, or other fiduciary in Delaware—but only to the extent that the laws of the institution’s home state confer reciprocal fiduciary powers on Delaware-chartered banks and trust companies. Section 19 amends § 1622 of Title 5, which governs articles of association for savings banks, to parallel the amendment made to § 723 in Section 5 of this Act. The amendment requires the articles of association to state the number of directors, or the manner of fixing such number, which in no case may be fewer than five. Section 20 amends § 1627 of Title 5 to parallel the amendment to § 728 made in Section 6 of this Act, updating the address information required in a savings bank’s articles of organization from “residence and post-office address” to “business, post office or mailing address” for each officer. Section 21 amends § 1642(a) of Title 5 to parallel the amendment to § 742(a) made in Section 7 of this Act, clarifying that the number of directors for a savings bank board shall be “fixed by, or in the manner provided in,” the articles of association rather than merely “specified in” the articles, while retaining the five-director minimum. Section 22 amends § 1661 of Title 5, which governs the authority of savings banks to hold personal property in a fiduciary capacity, to add a new subsection (c) providing that “personal property” for purposes of that subchapter includes digital assets, paralleling the amendment made to § 761 in Section 8 of this Act. The Act is effective immediately and must be implemented upon the earlier of one year post-enactment or the issuance of final regulations.]]> Wed, 15 Apr 2026 16:43:54 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143094 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 29 AND TITLE 31 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE DISPOSITION OF HUMAN REMAINS.

This Act permits the State to bury or cremate an unclaimed body or remains of an indigent individual without requiring written consent of the next of kin or other legally responsible party. This statutory change will reduce costs, conserve cemetery space, and reduce environmental impacts by limiting formaldehyde exposure in the soil. ]]> Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:37:57 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143090 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 21 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO TRUCK PARKING.

This Act clarifies that penalties associated with section 4512 of Title 21, relating to truck parking, are applicable to parking violations in both residence and non-residence districts. This Act further clarifies that truck tractors (with and without attached trailers) may be prohibited from stopping, standing, or parking on highways in the same manner as trailers and semitrailers. ]]> Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:37:57 -0400 153 https://www.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.]]> Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:37:57 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143091 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 21 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO RESIDENTIAL SPEED LIMITS.

This Act changes the statutory speed limit for residential districts to 20 miles per hour. This Act provides a 5-year window for signage to be updated. ]]> Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:37:57 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143088 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 14 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO SALARIES AND WORKING CONDITIONS OF SCHOOL EMPLOYEES.

This Act adds certified occupational therapy assistants to the list of occupations that qualify for a salary supplement equal to 6% of base salary for receiving national certification.]]> Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:37:57 -0400 153 https://www.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://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142941 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO PHYSICIAN ASSOCIATES AND PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS.

This Act changes the title of “physician assistant” to “physician associate” in Title 24, as well as changes the references from physician assistant to physician associate throughout the Delaware Code. It does not change any rights or privileges of those who have been or continue to hold themselves out to be a “physician assistant.” Current law provides that a physician associate may not maintain or manage a location that does not have oversight by the physician associate’s collaborating physician. This Act provides that a licensed physician associate with more than 6,000 post-graduate clinical practice hours who intends to practice without a collaborative agreement must apply to the Regulatory Council for Physician Assistants for independent practice authority. This Act also provides that the Regulatory Council for Physician Associates must adopt rules and regulations to address the following: (1) the verification of post-graduate clinical practice hours for physician associates with more than 6,000 post-graduate clinical practice hours; (2) creating an application for physician associates with more than 6,000 post-graduate clinical practice hours to request independent practice authority; (3) creating a process for physician associates who practice without at least 1 licensed Delaware physician in the group, practice, or health system, and have been granted independent practice authority, to notify the Physician Associates Regulatory Council prior to a change of their practice area and provide proof they have had training which aligns to the new practice area; and (4) the conditions under which a physician associate may be denied independent practice authority and how to reapply. The Act also provides that a physician associate is considered to be a primary care provider when practicing in the medical specialties for a physician to be a primary care provider. Payment for services within the physician associate’s scope of practice must be made when ordered or performed by the physician associate, if the same service would have been covered if ordered or performed by a physician. Payment for services must be based on the services provided and not on the health care professional who delivered the service. Physician associates must be authorized to bill for and receive direct payment for the medically necessary services they deliver. The Act also provides that a physician associate who has independent practice authority may sign the special disabled license plate or placard applicant form certifying that a person is disabled, for use in an application to receive a special license plate. This Act also makes technical corrections to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual. This Act is effective immediately and to be implemented the earlier of : (1) One year from the date of the Act’s enactment; or (2) When the Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline approves the enabling regulations promulgated by the Regulatory Council of Physician Associates. ]]> Tue, 14 Apr 2026 17:24:26 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142824 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 30 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE REALTY TRANSFER TAX.

This Act provides updates to Title 30 relating to the Realty Transfer Tax. First it clarifies that the exception for spouses is not solely limited between a husband and wife and instead applies to spouses in general. It also adds an exception for conveyances between grandparents and their grandchildren or the spouse of such a grandchild.]]> Tue, 14 Apr 2026 17:24:03 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142758 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 16 RELATING TO THE CHILDHOOD LEAD POISONING PREVENTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE.

School nurses are a vital link in implementing the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Act and in preventing lead poisoning among Delaware’s children. Since the 1990s, school nurses have been on the front lines of ensuring that students entering pre-kindergarten and kindergarten have a lead screening completed prior to the start of school. The Delaware School Nurse Association (DSNA) Advocacy Committee has actively participated in the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Advisory Committee (CLPPAC) as a stakeholder, collaborating to improve blood lead testing rates and to address racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities in lead poisoning. School nurses also contribute to the development, updating, and implementation of the statewide screening plan. Most importantly, when a child tests positive for an elevated blood lead level, school nurses are uniquely positioned to connect that student and family with the academic and health resources needed for success. This Act adds a school nurse as a member on the CLPPAC. The presence of a school nurse as a voting member will strengthen the Committee’s work and ensure that the voices of those most directly supporting children are represented in both policy and practice.]]> Tue, 14 Apr 2026 17:23:41 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142761 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 16 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO SCREENING FOR LEAD POISONING.

This Act requires the Division of Public Health to submit a report to various government officials and post on its website the data it receives from schools regarding the number of kindergartners who meet the requirements under this chapter for screening for lead poisoning.]]> Tue, 14 Apr 2026 17:23:19 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143080 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 11 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO REVERSE LOCATION AND REVERSE KEYWORD SEARCHES AND COURT ORDERS.

Reverse-keyword court orders enable the government to obtain technology search data without identifying any specific person as to which there is probable cause to believe they have committed or will imminently commit a crime. The profusion of electronic devices and apps in recent years has allowed recordation of numerous details of citizen’s everyday lives, that the government should not be permitted to collect and review at will. Such general searches allow the government to sweep in personal information about hundreds or thousands of people who are not suspected of having committed any crime. These searches are an invasion of privacy, have a potentially chilling effect on civil liberties, and sidestep requirements for individualized suspicion that are otherwise required for a lawful search. This House Substitute for House Bill No. 145 would prohibit law enforcement and courts from requesting, issuing, or enforcing reverse-keyword court orders and reverse-keyword requests, with the exception that reverse-keyword court orders and requests may be utilized to investigate suspected Class A Felonies so long as the search query returns 5 or fewer search hits. It also requires the suppression of evidence derived from an unlawful reverse-keyword search.]]> Tue, 14 Apr 2026 12:39:00 -0400 153 https://www.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. ]]> Tue, 14 Apr 2026 12:38:57 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143060 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLES 18, 29, AND 31 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO HEALTH INSURANCE.

This Act requires that individual, group, State employee, and public assistance insurance plans provide coverage for biomarker testing, when the test is supported by medical and scientific evidence. The Act applies to all such policies, contracts, or certificates issued, renewed, modified, altered, amended, or reissued after December 31, 2027. This Act is a substitute for and differs from Senate Bill No. 120 in that this Act clarifies that it does not prevent a provision restricting coverage to services by a licensed, certified, or carrier-approved provider or facility, restrict the use of utilization management, or require coverage of biomarker testing for screening purposes or coverage of investigatory and experimental biomarker tests. In addition, the Act differs from Senate Bill No. 120 in that it applies to policies, contracts, or certificates issued, renewed, modified, altered, amended, or reissued after December 31, 2027, rather than December 31, 2026. ]]> Mon, 13 Apr 2026 14:53:55 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143062 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 26 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE UNDERGROUND UTILITY DAMAGE PREVENTION AND SAFETY ACT.

This Act updates and clarifies the Underground Utility Damage Prevention and Safety Act (UUDPSA), which dates from the mid-1990s. Specifically, the Act clarifies the obligations of facility owners and facility operators, which the Act defines as the person or entity that owns, operates, or controls an underground or submerged conductor, pipe, or structure used to provide electric or communications service, or an underground or submerged pipe used to carry, provide, or gather gas, oil, sewage, water, or other liquid service. Under the Act, in addition to their existing obligations under the UUDPSA, facility owners and facility operators must respond to requests from an excavator concerning the location of their facilities within 3 business days after receipt of the request, and must provide information to the excavator via the Owner/Operator/Excavator Information Exchange System, which is an interactive system that facilitates communication for that purpose. In addition, "designers," meaning an architect, engineer, or other person who prepares or issues a drawing for a construction or other project requiring excavation or demolition work, are required to meet with a facility owner or facility operator who requests more information on the scope of a project and to make reasonable efforts to prepare construction drawings in a way that avoids damage and minimizes interference with facilities in the construction area. "Excavators," meaning any person proposing to engage in excavation or demolition work, must ascertain the location and type of facilities by contacting the Owner/Operator/Excavator Information Exchange System, and may not begin excavation until a positive response code of "clear" or "no conflict" or "marked" is received from each facility owner or facility operator through the Owner/Operator/Excavator Information System. In the event of an emergency that the excavator discovers or creates, the excavator must immediately notify the occupants of the premises, and, in the event of damage to a facility by the excavator resulting in the escape of a flammable, toxic, or corrosive gas or liquid, or other event that poses a danger to life, health or property, the excavator must immediately notify 911 and the facility owner or facility operator. The excavator is required to exercise due care and take all reasonable steps to avoid injury or interference with facilities, and, in the case of a complex project, to meet with the facility owner or facility operator or their agents before construction begins. The Utilities Service Protection Center of Delmarva, Inc. is required to provide for the approved notification center that, among other things, receives and records information regarding the location of facility owners' and facility operators' facilities within the State and notice by excavators and designers of intended excavation and demolition activity and notifies facility owners and facility operators of the information received from excavators and designers. A facility owner's or facility operator's failure to perform an act required under the UUDPSA is subject to a civil penalty of up to $1 million, for violations that result in a death; up to $500,000 for violations causing damage to a structure, and up to $100,000 for all other violations. For all violations other than those resulting in death or damage to a structure, the Public Service Commission of Delaware may determine that training provided by the approved notification center may be substituted in lieu of a civil penalty. The imposition of a civil penalty does not prevent any party from obtaining civil damages for personal injury or property damage in a private action. Civil penalties will be used by the approved notification center for public awareness programs, training and education programs for members and violators of the UUDPSA, improvements to the approved notification center, or to reduce the cost to members of the approved notification center. This Act also makes technical corrections to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual.]]> Thu, 09 Apr 2026 14:35:20 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143033 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 16 AND TITLE 21 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO DELAWARE MEDICAL ORDERS FOR SCOPE OF TREATMENT.

Enacted in 2015, Chapter 25A of Title 16, the Delaware Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment Act created a voluntary process and a document that can used by patients with serious illness or frailty to provide direction to emergency care personnel regarding the patient's preferences in regard to scope of care and treatment. This Act changes the name "Delaware Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment (DMOST)" under Chapter 25A of Title 16 to "Delaware Portable Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST)" to align with the national effort to create a uniform form. This Act contains a savings provision so that the name change under this Act does not affect the validity or effect of DMOST forms. This Act also revises Chapter 25A of Title 16 as follows: • Repeals requirements that conflict with the national model law regarding a patient’s ability to limit the future authority of the patient’s authorized representative to modify the orders in the patient’s POLST form. • Allows any health-care practitioner authorized under Chapter 25A of Title 16 to complete a POLST form to find that a patient lacks sufficient decision-making capacity to execute a POLST form. Under existing law, all practitioners who are licensed and authorized to write medical orders under Title 24 may complete POLST forms but only physicians can determine that a patient lacks sufficient decision-making capacity to execute a POLST form. This change is consistent with the capacity provisions under Chapter 25 of Title 16, the recently enacted Uniform Health-Care Decisions Act. • Requires that a health-care practitioner document their finding that a patient lacks decision-making capacity in the patient’s medical record. • Clarifies the existing requirement that a patient’s authorized representative may not execute a POLST form for a patient unless the patient’s lack of decision-making capacity is documented in the patient’s medical record. Makes technical corrections to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual, including corresponding name changes to other Code sections that reference the DMOST form. In § 2718(c)(5) of Title 21, the name for an advance health-care directive under Chapter 25 of Title 16 is also corrected.]]> Thu, 09 Apr 2026 14:35:03 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143061 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLES 10 AND 13 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE DUTY TO SUPPORT POOR PERSONS.

This Act updates § 503 of Title 13 by replacing the outdated term “poor person” with the term, “a person unable to financially support oneself”. This language change is a technical change to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual. In addition, this Act clarifies that § 503 of the Title 13, relating to the duty to support a person unable to financially support oneself (formerly “poor person”), includes the duty to a support an adult child with a disability that cannot support oneself. This duty is articulated in H. v. V., 2018 Del. Fam. Ct. LEXIS 4, where the Family Court found that a parent of a 22 year-old adult child diagnosed with severe autism was statutorily obligated to provide support to the adult child. ]]> Thu, 09 Apr 2026 12:30:22 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143056 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 30 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO A DELAWARE ENTERTAINMENT PRODUCTION TAX CREDIT.

This Act creates a film production tax credit. It requires companies to obtain, at their own expense, an independent audit certifying eligible expenditures. The audit must be submitted to the Division of Small Business for approval and allocation of credits. The credit is nonrefundable, transferable, and may be carried forward for up to 5 years. The credit may be applied against personal income tax, corporate income tax, bank franchise tax, and insurance premiums tax. All credit transfers must be approved by the Division of Small Business. This Act further authorizes necessary data sharing among agencies. Applicants and transferees consent to disclosure of credit amounts by virtue of applying or receiving a transfer. This Act also grants regulatory authority to the Division of Small Business and the Secretary of State to administer the annual credit cap; prioritize and manage awards; and issue reports relating to awards and utilization with input from relevant state agencies. The Division of Small Business may create alternative audit procedures for small businesses where a full audit would be prohibitively expensive. This Act sunsets on June 30, 2031, and no applications may be submitted after that date. ]]> Thu, 09 Apr 2026 12:30:22 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143059 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE DELAWARE INDIGENOUS AFFAIRS COMMISSION.

This Act establishes a Commission on Indigenous Affairs to advance and protect the interests of the Indigenous population of Delaware.]]> Thu, 09 Apr 2026 12:30:22 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143055 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 14 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO STUDENT ELOPEMENT FROM SCHOOL.

This Act provides guidelines for Delaware schools in addressing elopement of students with IEPs and 504 Plans. This Act requires schools to notify the eloping student’s parent or guardian the same day as the elopement incident and requires that, once a year, the student’s IEP or 504 team review and address a student’s elopement behavior to determine if the IEP or 504 Plan should be adjusted.]]> Thu, 09 Apr 2026 12:30:22 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143051 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 16 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASE PREVENTION AND CONTROL.

This Act updates Delaware laws relating to Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) prevention and control, much of which are outdated and do not reflect current research and medical practice. To that end, this Act does the following: (1) Clarifies that Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are to be treated in the same manner as STDs. (2) Removes the requirement that reportable STDs be reported to DPH within 1 working day. (3) Repeals the provision permitting the Director of DPH to examine a person suspected of being infected with an STD and to order that person to isolate or quarantine. (4) Repeals the provision relating to apprehending, committing, mandating treatment, and quarantine of an infected person. (5) Repeals the provision permitting the Director to bring an action in the Justice of the Peace Court when a person suspected of having an STD presents an imminent danger to public health. (6) Removes the provisions concerning the DOC and DPH isolating or quarantining persons with suspected or known STDs. (7) Provides that health care providers must provide STD and STI testing, but that a pregnant person may refuse testing. Documentation of refusal must be retained in the patient’s medical record along with documentation of test counseling. (8) Repeals the provision permitting a DPH investigator without a medical license to withdraw blood for test purposes. (9) Makes technical corrections to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual.]]> Thu, 09 Apr 2026 12:30:22 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143054 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO ELECTRIC VEHICLES.

This Act updates the electric vehicle rebate program administered by the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control in light of changes to federal policies and market forces affecting electric vehicle deployment. The bill provides the Department with additional flexibility to set rebate amounts and improve programmatic offerings. The bill also allows enhanced rebates for an eventual program targeting lower income families.]]> Thu, 09 Apr 2026 12:30:22 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143053 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 16 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO PFAS IN FIREFIGHTING FOAM AND EQUIPMENT.

This Act prohibits the sale of class B firefighting foam that contains intentionally added PFAS chemicals starting January 1, 2028. An exception is provided for an establishment engaged in the distribution of crude petroleum and petroleum products, provided that the establishment applies to DNREC for an exemption. The exemption may not exceed 1 year and the establishment must report on progress being made to transition to firefighting foam that does not contain PFAS. If an exempt establishment uses foam containing PFAS chemicals, they must notify DNREC within 5 business days. Under this Act, a manufacturer must notify its customers in the State regarding the prohibition of firefighting foam containing PFAS chemicals by January 1, 2027. By March 1, 2028, the manufacturer must recall or reimburse purchasers for firefighting foam containing intentionally added PFAS chemicals. The recall must include the safe transport and storage of PFAS-containing firefighting foam until the Department identifies a safe disposal technology. A manufacturer in violation of this Act is subject to a $5,000 civil penalty for a first offense and a $10,000 civil penalty for a second, or subsequent offense. Finally, this Act requires that firefighting personal protective equipment (PPE) that contains PFAS chemicals be sold with a written notice that states that the PPE contains PFAS chemicals. The manufacturer or seller of the PPE must retain the written notice on file for at least 3 years from the date of transaction. Failure to provide written notice of PFAS chemicals in PPE will subject the manufacturer or seller to a civil penalty of $100 per occurrence. ]]> Thu, 09 Apr 2026 12:30:22 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143052 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 15 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS AND EXPENDITURES AND REPORTING PERIODS.

This Act requires political committees to submit quarterly campaign finance reports, as opposed to only annual reports. It removes the requirement that a political committee submit a campaign finance report 30 days before an election, but retains the requirement that a report be filed 8 days before an election. The law currently requires only an annual report, a report 30 days before an election, and a report 8 days before an election.]]> Thu, 09 Apr 2026 12:30:22 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143050 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND THE LAWS OF DELAWARE RELATING TO HOMESCHOOL STUDENT PARTICIPATION IN EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES.

This Act requires the Department of Education, in collaboration with school districts, charter schools, and vocational-technical school districts, to make findings and recommendations regarding the advisability of incorporating Delaware homeschool students into public school extracurricular activities within the public school that the student would be attending based on residence if that student were enrolled in public school or within charter schools or vocational-technical school districts, including the creation of a pilot program. The Department shall report its findings and recommendations by December 31, 2027. This Act expires on the date of publication in the Register of Regulations of a notice that the Department has submitted its findings and recommendations. The Director of the Division of Legislative Services shall provide notice to the Registrar of Regulations. Since the legal effect of a joint resolution would expire on November 3, 2026 (the date the General Assembly expires), this reporting requirement is being placed in the Laws of Delaware so as to continue its legal effect until the submission of notice that the Department has submitted its findings and recommendations. This Act expires on the promulgation of notice of the report required in Section 3 of this Act being submitted, which is why the Laws of Delaware are being amended rather than a more permanent change in Title 14 of the Delaware Code. ]]> Thu, 09 Apr 2026 12:30:22 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143048 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 10 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO SEXUAL ASSAULT, HARASSMENT, AND DISCRIMINATION.

The purpose of this Act is to protect victims of sexual assault, discrimination, or harassment from retaliatory lawsuits that arise when a victim of sexual assault discloses information regarding an act of sexual assault, discrimination, or harassment. Specifically, this Act protects assault victims from defamation lawsuits by placing a higher burden of proof on the complainant, even if the complainant is a private figure. It also entitles a prevailing defendant in a defamation lawsuit to attorneys’ fees and costs, actual damages, and punitive damages.]]> Thu, 09 Apr 2026 12:30:22 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143047 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLES 15 AND 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO CAMPAIGN FINANCE.

This Act clarifies and streamlines the disclosure and enforcement provisions of Delaware’s campaign finance laws. Among other things, this Act does the following: (1) Requires a political committee to submit written documentation of all loans provided to the committee and requires that proceeds of a loan are deposited into the committee’s account within 3 business days. (2) Prohibits candidates from charging interest on personal loans to a candidate committee. (3) Requires political committees to retain records for 5 years, rather than 3 years. (4) Requires the State Election Commissioner to provide the Division of Civil Rights and Public Trust (within the DOJ) with a monthly list of alleged violations of campaign finance laws and further clarifies that the Division must investigate and prosecute violations of campaign finance laws. (5) Expands the 1-time extension permitted for filing tardy reports from 24 hours to 48 hours after the reporting deadline. (6) Requires the Division of Civil Rights and Public Trust to submit an annual report of its activity to the Governor and the General Assembly. (7) Authorizes the Commissioner to create regulations relating to political committee audits. (8) Requires the Commissioner to create a mandatory biennial training program for candidates and treasurers. (9) Prohibits political committees from engaging in campaign finance activities 30 days after the issuance of a citation if the citation has not been resolved in that time. ]]> Thu, 09 Apr 2026 12:30:22 -0400 153 https://www.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, 09 Apr 2026 12:30:22 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143045 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 21 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO VEHICLE SECURITY CIRCUMVENTION DEVICES.

This Act makes it a crime to knowingly manufacture, sell, offer to sell, transfer, or possess a vehicle security circumvention device, or to aid or permit another to use a vehicle security circumvention device. This Act also requires individuals to report a lost or stolen vehicle security circumvention device to a law enforcement agency within 48 hours of becoming aware of the loss or theft. This Act does not include a special penalty as the Chapter already provides a penalty for misdemeanors, which includes a fine not less than $28.75 nor more than $115, or imprisonment not less than 30 days nor more than 90 days, or both. Additionally, for each subsequent offense the person shall be fined not less than $115 nor more than $230, or imprisoned not less than 90 days nor more than 6 months, or both. This Act requires a greater than majority vote for passage because § 28 of Article IV of the Delaware Constitution requires the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members elected to each house of the General Assembly to create a new crime within the jurisdiction of the Court of Common Pleas, Family Court, or Justice of the Peace Court. ]]> Thu, 09 Apr 2026 12:30:22 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143040 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 18 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO HEALTH CARRIER COVERAGE OF IMMUNIZATIONS AND PREVENTIVE SERVICES.

This Act clarifies that individual, group, and blanket health insurance carriers must provide for and pay for services (including immunizations) that were recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the comprehensive guidelines supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) that were in effect as of January 1, 2025. They must also cover immunizations that were supported by national clinical guidelines or national standards of care in effect on January 1, 2025. To that end, this Act removes provisions that permit carriers to deny coverage for these items or services simply because they are not currently recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the CDC and the comprehensive guidelines supported by the HRSA. This Act also removes obsolete United States Preventative Task Force provisions related to breast cancer screening from 2009.]]> Thu, 09 Apr 2026 12:30:22 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143041 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO VIRTUAL MEETINGS.

This Act permits a staff member for the public body to be present at an anchor location in lieu of a member of the public body.]]> Thu, 09 Apr 2026 12:30:21 -0400 153 https://www.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://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143034 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND THE CHARTER OF THE TOWN OF LAUREL RELATING TO THE POWER TO BORROW MONEY AND ISSUE BONDS.

This Act amends the Charter of the Town of Laurel by authorizing the Town to borrow money from any federal, state, local government, or quasi-government funding source provided such funding: (i) bears no interest on the principal, (ii) requires no principal payments by the Town, and (iii) provides for complete forgiveness (100%) of the principal. ]]> Thu, 09 Apr 2026 12:30:21 -0400 153 https://www.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://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142813 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 11 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO CRIMINAL MISCHIEF.

This Act increases for the crime of criminal mischief to a class F felony when the person intentionally causes damage to an authorized emergency vehicle resulting in a pecuniary loss of $5,000 or more or in the authorized emergency vehicle becoming temporarily unable to be used to respond to an emergency. This Act also makes technical corrections to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual.]]> Thu, 09 Apr 2026 12:30:21 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142863 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 24, TITLE 29, AND TITLE 31 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR CHIROPRACTIC THERAPY AND PHYSICAL THERAPY.

In Delaware, all individual health insurance policies, all group and blanket health insurance policies, the State employee health insurance plan, and Medicaid are required to cover chiropractic and physical therapy treatment for chronic back pain without annual or lifetime numerical limits on physical therapy or chiropractic care visits. To evaluate the effectiveness of this coverage requirement, the Patient Centered Care Subcommittee of the Addiction Action Committee, under the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, sent a survey to chiropractic therapy and physical therapy providers in Delaware. Although the survey showed that the coverage requirement has improved treatment of chronic pain patients, the survey also showed that the coverage requirement provides supportive chronic pain treatment for only the thoracic region of the spine, which is the middle of the spine from the base of the neck to the bottom of the ribs, and the lumbar region of the spine, which is the lower back. The treatment of chronic pain through chiropractic supportive care, physical therapy, or both, can prevent a patient from requiring opioid pain medications or more expensive treatments, but excluding vital areas of the spine and body from coverage may limit the effectiveness of chiropractic therapy and physical therapy treatment and limits a chronic pain patient’s potential for improvement. This Act encourages treatment of chronic pain patients without opioids by updating the required health insurance coverage to prohibit annual or lifetime numerical visits on physical therapy or chiropractic care visits that are for the purpose of treating the spine and other neuromusculoskeletal structures, including extremities. The updated coverage required under this 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.]]> Thu, 09 Apr 2026 12:30:21 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143001 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 24 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO PSYCHOLOGY PROFESSIONALS.

Senate Substitute No. 1 for Senate Bill 208 differs from Senate Bill No. 208 in the following 9 ways: 1. Makes technical corrections, including changing § 3508A and § 3509A to § 3508B and § 3509B to avoid confusion with existing code sections in Chapter 35A of Title 24 of the Code, correcting the title for § 3509 and § 3509B, and making changes to use consistent language and structure. 2. Adds cognitive rehabilitation to the list of evidence-based therapeutic interventions under the practice of psychology. 3. Adds cognitive therapy to the list of therapies that are included as examples of evidence-based interventions. 4. Replaces "organic brain syndromes" with the modern term " brain-based disorders". 5. Adds programs accredited by the Canadian Psychological Association to the list of degree programs that are accepted by the Board of Examiners of Psychologists (Board) for licensure or registration under Chapter 35 of Title 24 of the Code. This makes it easier for individuals from Canada to be licensed or registered under Chapter 35 of Title 24 of the Code. 6. Removes from the qualifications of applicants for licensure as a licensed psychology associate the requirement that a master’s degree must be from a program with a minimum of 60 graduate semester hours, because the qualifications of applicants for licensure as a psychologist do not include a required number of semester hours for doctoral degree programs. The Board determines the qualifications of applicants, including whether the applicant’s degree is from a program that meets the requirements listed in § 3508 and § 3508B of Title 24. 7. In the scope of practice of a licensed psychology associate, replaces "general measures of cognitive abilities and achievement" with "measures of intellectual ability". This clarifies that a licensed psychology associate may not administer neuropsychological tests. 8. Updates registration as a doctoral-level psychological assistant under § 3509 and registration as a master's-level psychological assistant under § 3509B to reflect modern practice. The applicant for registration, not the supervising psychologist or supervising licensed psychology associate, is responsible for providing to the Board evidence of the applicant's qualifications for registration. Similar updates are made throughout Chapter 35 of Title 24 to reflect that the individual applying for registration is applying rather than the supervising psychologist or licensed psychology associate. 9. Removes the requirement for applicants for licensure or registrations under Chapter 35 of Title 24 to submit the applicant’s criminal history reports from the State Bureau of Identification (SBI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to the Board. The Board directly receives electronic copies of each applicant’s criminal history reports from the SBI and the FBI, as provided in § 3508(b)(1), § 3508B(b)(1), §3509(b)(1), and §3509B(b)(1). Like SB 208, this Act adds 2 additional psychology professionals regulated under Chapter 35 of Title 24: (1) a licensed psychology associate and (2) a master’s-level psychological assistant. This Act also renames the psychological assistant registered under § 3509 of Title 24 to “doctoral-level psychological assistant” to mark the difference in education between the existing psychological assistant and the master’s-level psychological assistant added by this Act. This Act also changes § 3511 to clarify that licensing through reciprocity does not apply to individuals registered under § 3509 and § 3509B. A licensed psychology associate may independently practice at a master’s-level of education and training, subject to the limitations listed under § 3508B(e) added by this Act. The Board of Examiners of Psychologists (Board) may grant a license to practice as a licensed psychology associate if an applicant meets certain qualifications, including holding a master’s degree in psychology from an accredited school, completing an internship, obtaining at least 2 years of supervised professional experience, and achieving a passing score on a Board-approved examination. A licensed psychology associate is subject to the same standards as a psychologist licensed under Chapter 35 of Title 24, including handling of patient records, mandatory reporting, character and fitness requirements, and professional discipline. A licensed psychology associate also may be granted a license by reciprocity. An individual who is seeking further licensure under Chapter 35 of Title 24 may register as a master’s-level psychological assistant. A master’s-level psychological assistant may perform specific functions, appropriate for the assistant’s level of education and training, under the supervision of a licensed psychologist or licensed psychology associate. The supervising licensed psychologist or supervising licensed psychology associate may apply to the Board for registration of a master’s-level psychological assistant and shall provide to the Board evidence that the individual presented for registration has the required master’s-level of education and training, that the individual will receive appropriate training and supervision, that the individual meets character and fitness requirements. The supervising psychologist or licensed psychology associate must also give the Board a statement outlining the specific functions the master’s-level psychological assistant will perform under supervision. The individual seeking registration must provide a statement, under oath, that the individual will not practice independently, will perform only the specific functions outlined in the statement submitted by the supervising psychologist or supervising licensed psychology associate, and will not represent that the individual is a licensed psychologist or licensed psychology associate. A master’s-level psychological assistant is subject to the same professional standards and professional discipline as a doctoral-level psychological assistant. This Act also makes technical corrections to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual. Technical changes include removing deadlines that have passed and are no longer relevant, changing language to increase clarity and consistency, and changing the structure of certain paragraphs to increase readability and organization. Additionally, to clarify that all applicants for licensure or registration under Chapter 35 of Title 24 must provide criminal background checks, this Act moves the provision requiring applicants to provide fingerprints to obtain a criminal background report from § 3514 of Title 24 to the qualification requirements for each individual licensee or registrant under § 3508, § 3508B, § 3509, and § 3509B of Title 24. This Act requires a greater than majority vote for passage because § 11 of Article VIII of the Delaware Constitution requires the affirmative vote of three-fifths of the members elected to each house of the General Assembly to impose or levy a tax or license fee. This Act is effective on its enactment and is to be implemented the earlier of the following: 1. Twelve months from the date of enactment. 2. Notice by the Board of Examiners of Psychology published in the Register of Regulations that final regulations to implement this Act have been adopted.]]> Thu, 09 Apr 2026 12:30:21 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142673 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 24 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO REAL ESTATE BROKERS AND SALESPERSONS

Section 1 of the Act exempts an individual not engaged in the business of “wholesaling” real estate from needing to be a real estate licensee. The business of wholesaling is when someone enters into an Agreement of Sale as a buyer, then markets the property and assigns that agreement to a different buyer and collects a fee for that assignment. While this process is unobjectionable under certain circumstances, at other times, it is used as a means to charge an excessive assignment fee, which is “equity stripping” of money that should go to the seller. The Act makes clear that marketing properties this way is the brokerage of real estate and must be done by a real estate broker. This is based on similar laws in Pennsylvania. Section 2 of the Act includes the business of wholesaling under the definition of real estate services. It also clarifies that a person engaged in the business of wholesaling must be licensed under Chapter 29 of the Delaware Code. Section 7 of the Act allows 270 days for such persons to become licensed. Section 3 of the Act defines “wholesaling”. Section 4 of the Act increases the amount a member of the public may collect from the Real Estate Guarantee Fund from $25,000 to $50,000 and increases the minimum amount of the Fund from $250,000 to $350,000. It also provides more discretion to the Commissioners, making it easier to award funds to a member of the public. In addition, it provides additional detail for how Commissioners may approve expenditures from the Fund and requires that they shall be provided with financial statements relating to the Fund. Section 5 of the Act adds a section to the Delaware Code for requirements for the business of “wholesaling” and adds protections for the member of the public entering into a wholesaling transaction. This is patterned after a recently enacted law in Pennsylvania. Section 6 of the Act provides that Sections 1, 3, and 4 of the Act, which include changes to certain definitions and revisions to the Real Estate Guaranty Fund, take effect upon the Act’s enactment into law. Section 7 of the Act provides that Section 2 of the Act, which requires a wholesaler to be a real estate licensee, takes effect 270 days after the Act’s enactment into law. Section 8 of the Act provides that Section 5 of the Act, concerning the right to cancel agreements of sale or contracts for wholesale transactions, takes effect 90 days after the Act’s enactment into law. The Act also makes technical corrections to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual.]]> Thu, 09 Apr 2026 12:30:21 -0400 153 https://www.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://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143029 Delaware - Committee AN ACT PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE I OF THE DELAWARE CONSTITUTION RELATING TO HUNTING, FISHING, AND TRAPPING WILDLIFE.

This Act is a substitute for Senate Bill No. 212. Like Senate Bill No. 212, this Act is the first leg of a constitutional amendment to establish the right to hunt, fish, and trap wildlife in Delaware. Twenty-four other states have preserved the right to hunt, fish, and trap wildlife. This Act is modeled after the constitutional provisions of Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Tennessee, Virginia, and Vermont. This Act specifically acknowledges Delaware’s valued, natural heritage of hunting, fishing, and trapping, and declares hunting, fishing, and trapping as the preferred methods of managing and controlling wildlife in this State. This Act declares that it may not be applied to do any of the following: (1) Limit the application of a law relating to trespass or property rights. (2) Affect rights to divert, appropriate, or use water, or to establish a minimum amount of water in any water body. (3) Lead to a diminution or abrogation of a public or private right or of the State’s power to regulate commercial activities. (4) Prevent the suspension or revocation, under a law enacted by the General Assembly, of an individual’s hunting, fishing, or trapping license. (5) Alter a burden of proof requirement otherwise established by law for a challenge to a law or regulation pertaining to hunting, fishing, or trapping the wildlife of this State. This Act differs from Senate Bill No. 212 by doing the following: (1) Removing language related to the use of "traditional methods" of hunting, fishing, or trapping. (2) Providing clarity that after passage of this Act the General Assembly, and any state agency or local government authorized by the General Assembly, may continue to establish hunting, fishing, or trapping requirements based on the best available science and wildlife management practices, including requirements for humane methods of take or requirements for licenses or permits, bag limits, or other practices for managing wildlife. Amending the Delaware Constitution requires not only the passing of the changes in this Act, but also passage of the same changes after the next general election by the next General Assembly. This Act requires a greater than majority vote for passage because § 1 of Article XVI of the Delaware Constitution requires the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members elected to each house of the General Assembly to amend the Delaware Constitution ]]> Thu, 02 Apr 2026 15:19:49 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142945 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 24 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE DELAWARE ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS.

This Act amends Chapter 28 of Title 24 of the Delaware Code to make corrections to definition of Successor Engineer (§2803); Allow candidates intending to apply using experience track (§2817(5)) to take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) and Principles and Practice of Engineering (P&PE) exams prior to obtaining 15 years of verified and approved experience. Remove restrictions on candidates taking the FE exam. According to NCEES, 75% of member boards do not have any restrictions on the FE exam. Candidates that do not meet our current requirements for FE exam approval can take the exam in another jurisdiction, then apply to Delaware when they have met all other requirements (§2817).]]> Thu, 26 Mar 2026 18:15:51 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142905 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 26 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION.

This Act requires that meetings of the Public Service Commission be livestreamed virtually and requires that members of the public have the opportunity to comment virtually. ]]> Thu, 26 Mar 2026 18:15:35 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142555 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 1 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO DIWALI DAY.

This Act designates "Diwali Day" as a ceremonial day to be commemorated appropriately annually in Delaware. ]]> Thu, 26 Mar 2026 18:14:26 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142745 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 18, TITLE 29, AND TITLE 31 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR TREATMENT TO PREVENT HIV INFECTION.

This Act is a substitute for HB 200 and differs from HB 200 by requiring health insurance coverage only for pre-exposure prophylaxis (“PrEP”) medication and post-exposure prophylaxis (“PEP”) medication. This Act also makes technical corrections including updating section numbers and updating the applicability date so insurance companies can file rates that include the cost of the coverage required under this Act. This Act requires individual health insurance plans, group and blanket health insurance plans, the state employee health plan, and state Medicaid insurance to cover medically necessary PrEP medication for the prevention of human immunodeficiency virus (“HIV”) infection before possible HIV exposure and medically necessary PEP medication for the prevention of HIV infection after possible HIV exposure. The coverage must include must be provided without any of the following: 1. Cost-sharing requirements, including deductibles, coinsurance, copayments, and out-of-pocket expenses. 2. Prior authorization or step therapy requirements. 3. Unreasonable delay in coverage determination. This Act applies to all policies, contracts, or certificates that are renewed, modified, altered, amended, or reissued after December 31, 2027.]]> Thu, 26 Mar 2026 18:14:07 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143023 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 18 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO PHARMACY BENEFITS MANAGERS.

This Act strengthens procedural protections for pharmacies, pharmacists, and consumers related to regulation of a pharmacy benefits manager by doing all of the following: Adds definitions for the terms “chronic or long-term condition”, “net amount”, “purchaser”, “recoupment”, “similarly situated contracted pharmacy”, and “wholesale invoice audit.” Applies audit notice requirements uniformly and ensures access to an appropriate point of contact. Requires a pharmacy benefits manager to provide a list of records that the auditing entity seeks to audit at least 5 business days before an audit. Limits activities to once every 12 months and sets standards for wholesale invoice audits. Ensures audit costs are borne solely by the pharmacy benefits manager. Clarifies that a pharmacy can appeal the amount of any reimbursement and that a contracted pharmacy’s representative can take actions and receive notices related to appeals on behalf of a pharmacy. Extends pharmacies’ ability to appeal from 10 days to 40 days to account for entities that complete retroactive billing. When an appeal is denied, requires the parties to provide a detailed reason for the denial and specific information about how the pharmacy can appeal the denial to the Department of Insurance. Prohibits retaliation by a pharmacy benefits manager when a pharmacist or pharmacy discloses information to a government agency or during a proceeding if the person who disclosed the information had reasonable cause to believe that the disclosed information is evidence of a violation of a state or federal law. Requires that a pharmacy benefits manager must provide at least 60 days’ notice before amending a contract with a pharmacy or pharmacist. Clarifies that the prohibition against spread pricing applies to all purchasers contracting with pharmacy benefits managers. Changes the reporting requirements for rebates so that pharmacy benefits managers must file the required reports annually instead of quarterly. This change will reduce the amount of incorrect or unclear reporting because rebates are aggregated and reported at the end of the period of time under each contract. Amends national drug acquisition cost compliance to refer to the date of service. Prohibits pharmacy benefit managers from unit-of-use requirements inconsistent with smallest package size availability and manufacturer recommendations. Requires that pharmacy benefit managers may not require pharmacies to dispense therapeutically equivalent or alternative drugs that cost the enrollee more out of pocket than the prescribed drug except for medical reasons. Ensures that enrollee-identifiable or prescriber-identifiable information is not transferred to or shared with affiliated pharmacies for any commercial purpose other than those defined. This Act also makes technical corrections to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual.]]> Thu, 26 Mar 2026 18:13:41 -0400 153 https://www.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://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142445 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 11 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE DELAWARE SENTENCING GUIDELINES AND ACCOUNTABILITY COMMISSION.

This Act repeals Subchapter X of Title 11 which established the Delaware Sentencing Accountability Commission (Commission) and recodifies the Commission under Chapter 89A of Title 11. This Act modernizes the Commission’s mission, establishes the membership of the Commission, codifies the Commission’s overall power and authority, and creates a duty for the Commission to provide a data report annually.]]> Thu, 26 Mar 2026 16:47:08 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143018 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE STATE LOTTERY.

This bill protects small businesses in Delaware by preserving lottery retailers’ role in iLottery. This bill requires iLottery players to purchase prepaid cards at physical stores to enable their online play. In 2012, the General Assembly adopted the Delaware Gaming Competitiveness Act of 2012, HB 333 of the 146th General Assembly, establishing iLottery in Delaware. To support small businesses, the General Assembly included a provision of that law that required online players to purchase prepaid cards in physical retail stores. However, over a decade later, the Delaware Lottery Commissioner launched an iLottery program that does not uphold this protective provision. This bill updates the iLottery program to reflect the original intent of the law. This Act also makes technical changes to conform to the Legislative Drafting Manual.]]> Thu, 26 Mar 2026 12:32:30 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143019 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 9 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE NEW CASTLE COUNTY HUMAN RESOURCES ADVISORY BOARD.

New Castle County's Human Resources Advisory Board is responsible for making recommendations to the Chief Human Resources Officer, the County Executive, and County Council on ways to improve human resources administration in County government. This Act increases Board membership from 3 to 7 members and reduces members' terms from 6 to 4 years. The Board will tangibly benefit from these changes, which will bring with them alternative views and will lead to a healthy challenge and improvement to existing policies and processes. This Act also provides that a member who is serving when this Act is enacted may complete the member's 6-year term, and the member's successor and each successor thereafter will serve the 4-year term provided under this Act. Finally, this Act makes technical changes to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual.]]> Thu, 26 Mar 2026 12:32:30 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142742 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 30 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO EXCLUSION OF MILITARY PENSIONS FROM TAXABLE INCOME.

Of the 41 states with a state income tax, 27 states fully exempt military retirement pay from state income taxes and 12 states partially exempt military retirement pay. In 2022, Delaware increased the pension exclusion for military pensioners under 60 to $12,500, and in 2024, Delaware expanded the definition of a United States military pension to include a pension received for an individual’s service in the commissioned corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the commissioned corps of the Public Health Service and clarified that the armed forces of the United States includes the Space Force and Coast Guard. This Act phases in, over 3 years, an increased exemption for military pensions from state income taxation, regardless of age, which is currently $12,500, so that in taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2029, the exemption will be $25,000 for all military pensioners.]]> Wed, 25 Mar 2026 16:46:12 -0400 153 https://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143005 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLES 20 AND 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND EMERGENCY REGULATIONS.

This Act's purpose is to create checks and balances between the Executive and legislative Branches of State government relating to Emergency Orders. This Act recognizes the authority of the Governor to act in the event of an emergency by allowing the Governor to declare an emergency for 120 days and to renew that order for up to 60 more days, for a total of 180 days. Thereafter, to extend or renew the emergency order beyond the 180 days, such order will require the approval of the General Assembly. The Governor may terminate any emergency order or renewal order at any time. ]]> Wed, 25 Mar 2026 12:54:01 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142881 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 12 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE CREATION, REGULATION, OPERATION, AND DISSOLUTION OF STATUTORY TRUSTS.

This Act continues the practice of amending periodically the Delaware Statutory Trust Act (the “Statutory Trust Act”) to keep it current and to maintain its national preeminence. The following is a section-by-section review of proposed amendments to the Statutory Trust Act: Section 1 adds a new § 3802(d) to the Statutory Trust Act to clarify that a subscription for a beneficial interest may be irrevocable if the subscription states it is irrevocable to the extent provided by the terms of the subscription. Section 2 amends § 3803(c) of the Statutory Trust Act to provide that advisers, as defined in § 3313 of Title 12 of the Delaware Code, shall receive the same liability protections as officers, employees, managers and other persons acting pursuant to § 3806(b)(7) or § 3806(i) of the Statutory Trust Act. Section 3 amends § 3805 of the Statutory Trust Act to include the word “statutory” before the word “trust” in the heading. Section 4 amends § 3806(b) of the Statutory Trust Act, which relates to the provisions that may be included in a governing instrument, to clarify that the limitation on those provisions is that they cannot be contrary to any provision or requirement of the Statutory Trust Act and not just to Subchapter I thereof. Section 4 also amends § 3806(b)(9) of the Statutory Trust Act to confirm that a governing instrument may be amended in connection with a division of a statutory trust as specifically contemplated by § 3825(f) of the Statutory Trust Act. Section 5 amends § 3806(o) of the Statutory Trust Act to provide that § 3806(o) applies to ratification or waiver of a void or voidable act or transaction by any trustee, beneficial owner or other person in respect of a statutory trust, in addition to acts or transactions by a statutory trust. This Section also amends § 3806(o) to provide that ratification or waiver pursuant to § 3806(o) may be express or implied, including by the statements, action, inaction, or acquiescence of or by trustees, beneficial owners or other persons. Further, this Section amends § 3806(o) to clarify that in a circumstance in which § 3806(o) requires notice of the ratification or waiver to be given, the giving of the notice is not a condition to the effectiveness of the ratification or waiver. The amendments to § 3806(o) in this Section are intended to provide rules different from the rules applied in existing case law that § 18-106(e) of the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act, which is the same in all material respects as § 3806(o), is limited to ratification or waiver of a limited liability company’s own acts and transactions and that § 18-106(e) of the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act does not apply to ratification or waiver by conduct. Section 6 amends § 3807 of the Statutory Trust Act, which addresses certain duties of a registered agent of a statutory trust. Amended § 3807 specifies that a registered agent may not perform its duties or functions solely through the use of a virtual office, the retention by the agent of a mail forwarding service, or both. Amended § 3807 defines “virtual office” as the performance of duties or functions solely through the internet or solely through other means of remote communication. Section 7 amends § 3808(c) of the Statutory Trust Act to confirm and clarify certain of the mechanisms for revoking dissolution of a statutory trust. Specifically, this Section amends § 3808(c) to confirm and clarify that the references to “other persons” in § 3808(c)(1) and (2) are references to other persons whose approval is required for such dissolution of the statutory trust pursuant to the governing instrument. Section 8 amends § 3808(f) of the Statutory Trust Act. Currently, § 3808(c) of the Statutory Trust Act permits revocation of dissolution of a statutory trust prior to the filing of a certificate of cancellation of the certificate of trust in the office of the Secretary of State; however, the Statutory Trust Act does not currently address revocation of dissolution of a series prior to the completion of the winding up of the series. This amendment adds new language to permit revocation of dissolution of a series prior to the completion of the winding up of the series. Section 9 amends § 3809 of the Statutory Trust Act, which relates to the application of Delaware trust law, to clarify that those laws are applicable to statutory trusts except to the extent otherwise provided in the governing instrument of a statutory trust or to the extent otherwise provided in the Statutory Trust Act and not just in Subchapter I thereof. Section 10 amends § 3810(d) and (e) of the Statutory Trust Act, which provides for the correction of certificates filed with the Secretary of State. The amendment confirms that, in addition to correcting a previously filed certificate, a certificate of correction may nullify a previously filed certificate by specifying the inaccuracy or defect with respect to such previously filed certificate and providing that the previously filed certificate is nullified. Such a provision is sufficient if it states that the previously filed certificate is nullified or void or uses words of similar meaning. Section 10 also amends § 3810 of the Statutory Trust Act to include the word “statutory” before the word “trust” in §3810(d) and to clarify that § 3810 applies to the Statutory Trust Act and not just to Subchapter I thereof. Section 11 and Section 12 amend § 3812 of the Statutory Trust Act, which relates to filing of certificates, to clarify that § 3812 applies to the Statutory Trust Act and not just to Subchapter I thereof. Section 13 amends § 3813(a)(3) of the Statutory Trust Act, which relates to the payment of certain fees, to clarify that § 3813(a)(3) applies to the Statutory Trust Act and not just to Subchapter I thereof. Section 14 amends § 3815(b)(4) of the Statutory Trust Act to permit a certificate of merger to state any amendments to the certificate of trust of a surviving domestic statutory trust in a merger as are desired to be effected by the merger. This Section also amends § 3815(b)(5) of the Statutory Trust Act to provide that a certificate of trust must be attached to a certificate of consolidation for a consolidation in which the resulting entity from such consolidation is a domestic statutory trust. Section 15 amends § 3825(h) of the Statutory Trust Act. Currently, among other requirements, a certificate of division must state the name and business address of the division contact and the name and address of the division trust where the plan of division is on file. Because this information may change over time, this amendment permits or requires the filing of a certificate of amendment of certificate of division to amend the name or business address of the division contact or the name and address of the division trust where the plan of division is on file. The requirement to update such information in a certificate of division ends after the expiration of a period of 6 years following the effective date of the division. Section 16 amends § 3825(l)(1) of the Statutory Trust Act to clarify that pursuant to a division, a dividing trust is divided into distinct and independent division trusts as such term is used in the Statutory Trust Act. Section 16 also amends § 3825(l)(9) of the Statutory Trust Act. Currently, under § 3825 of the Statutory Trust Act, a dividing trust does not need to survive a division. This amendment confirms that a dividing trust need not be a surviving trust. Section 17 amends § 3852(a)(1)e. of the Statutory Trust Act to include the words “foreign statutory” before the word “trust”. Section 18 amends § 3881(c) of the Statutory Trust Act to confirm that the definition of “associate” of a person includes any investment fund or other collective investment vehicle or separate account managed or advised by the person specified. Section 19 amends § 3881(d)(1) of the Statutory Trust Act to reflect that beneficial interests are not control beneficial interests until after a control beneficial interest acquisition. This Section also amends §3881(d)(2) of the Statutory Trust Act to replace the words “target shares” with the words “beneficial interests” and to replace the words “target party” with the words “statutory trust which is not the surviving or resulting person”. Section 20 amends § 3881(e)(2) of the Statutory Trust Act to clarify that reductions in the outstanding beneficial interests of a statutory trust for any reason can cause beneficial interests that previously were not control beneficial interests to become control beneficial interests. This Section also amends § 3881(e)(2) of the Statutory Trust Act to confirm that, except as provided in § 3881(e)(2)a. and §3881(e)(2)b. of the Statutory Trust Act, beneficial interests in the range of voting power below ten percent of all voting power are not control beneficial interests. Section 21 amends § 3881(f) of the Statutory Trust Act to delete redundant language. Section 22 amends § 3882 of the Statutory Trust Act to clarify that approvals and exemptions, unless otherwise explicitly provided, cover all of the beneficial interests acquired at any time within the range of voting power to which such approval or exemption applies. This amendment also removes the requirement that beneficial interests acquired within 90 days or acquired in a series of related transactions be considered acquired in the same acquisition. Section 23 amends § 3883(b) of the Statutory Trust Act to confirm that approvals and exemptions of beneficial interests from Subchapter III of the Statutory Trust Act can occur before, at the time of, or after the acquisition of such beneficial interests. Section 24 amends § 3888 of the Statutory Trust Act to expand the categories of information that a holder of beneficial interests or an associate of such a holder must disclose to the trustees in connection with determinations by the trustees relating to control beneficial interests and control beneficial interest acquisitions and authorizes the trustees to adopt procedures that the trustees reasonably believe are necessary or desirable to determine whether and how many control beneficial interests will be or have been voted in violation of Subchapter III of the Statutory Trust Act. Section 25 provides that the proposed amendments to the Statutory Trust Act take effect on August 1, 2026.]]> Tue, 24 Mar 2026 19:45:02 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142882 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLES 12 AND 25 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO DECEDENTS’ ESTATES AND PROPERTY.

Section 1 of this Act amends § 3323 of Title 12 to clarify: (1) that powers vested in 2 fiduciaries or nonfiduciaries must be exercised by agreement of both (that is, unanimously), while actions of 3 or more fiduciaries must be exercised by a majority; and (2) how these rules also apply when fiduciaries or nonfiduciaries are designating 1 or more of them to perform ministerial functions on behalf of all of them. In particular, Section 1 of this Act clarifies that when 2 fiduciaries or nonfiduciaries are serving, they can designate 1 of them to perform ministerial functions on behalf of both of them—in other words, that the statute’s existing mention of such designation being available to a majority does not mean that it is available only when there are 3 or more fiduciaries or nonfiduciaries serving. Section 1 of the Act also clarifies (in subsection (a) of § 3323) that the non-liability of fiduciaries or nonfiduciaries who dissent from an action of the majority (if the dissent is evidenced in writing and delivered to the majority) applies only with respect to such action. Section 1 of the Act also reorganizes and rewords § 3323 to reflect current stylistic and formatting preferences. Section 2 of this Act amends § 3325(29) of Title 12 to allow the trustee to select the governing instrument of either the transferor trust or the transferee trust (those two terms being defined in § 3341 of Title 12) in the context of a merger. The purpose of this amendment is to allow flexibility and improve administrative ease so that the name, EIN, account numbers, and other identifying information of the trust may remain unchanged post-merger. Section 3 of this Act amends § 3326 of Title 12 to: (1) Expand the definition of “officeholder” to include those who are empowered to appoint another officeholder; (2) Add a cross-reference to new § 3327A of Title 12 so that the definition of “officeholder” in § 3326 will also apply to § 3327A; and (3) Reorganize and reword § 3326 to reflect current stylistic and formatting preferences. Section 4 of this Act amends Title 12 by moving the language of § 3336 of Title 12 to new § 3327A of Title 12 and by adding provisions to new § 3327A that expand the subject matter of § 3336. More specifically, new § 3327A: (1) Replaces “trustee” with “officeholder” or “trustee or other officeholder” to parallel §§ 3326 and 3327 of Title 12, so that § 3327A will address the appointment of officeholders generally, and not just the appointment of trustees; (2) For trusts that are not continuing (that is, for trusts to which § 3327A(a)(1) —the existing subject matter of § 3336—does apply), changes the current language so that the appointment mechanism to appoint a distributing trustee can also be used where needed to appoint an officeholder other than a trustee; (3) For such distributing trusts, changes the current language so that the appointment of a distributing trustee or other officeholder is accomplished by unanimous consent, rather than by unanimous vote, because “vote” implies procedural formalities that ought not be necessary in such a situation; (4) For trusts that are continuing (that is, for trusts to which § 3327A(a)(1) —the existing subject matter of § 3336—does not apply), creates a new procedure for the appointment of a trustee or other officeholder where there is a vacancy, without the approval of the Court of Chancery, by unanimous consent of certain beneficiaries, but subject to any restrictions that the governing instrument imposes on the appointee; (5) Emphasizes that the unanimous consent required under § 3327A(c) and (d) may be achieved via representation by one or more designated representatives under § 3339 of Title 12 or by one or more virtual representatives under § 3547 of Title 12; (6) Provides expressly that, subject to certain conditions, § 3327A also applies to the appointment of a trustee or other officeholder where another officeholder is supposed to fill a vacancy but has failed to do so within 60 days of being notified of the vacancy; (7) Confirms that, unless a trustee vacancy is required by law to be filled, nothing within § 3327A shall be construed to require filling trustee or other officeholder vacancies when not expressly required by the trust’s governing instrument; and (8) Confirms that nothing within § 3327A shall be construed to limit the appointment of a trustee or other officeholder by a modification of a trust under § 3342 of Title 12 or by a nonjudicial settlement agreement under § 3338 of Title 12. Section 5 of this Act amends § 3341 of Title 12 to allow the trustee to select the governing instrument of either the transferor trust or the transferee trust in the context of a merger in order to align with the amendment made in Section 2 of this Act. Section 6 of this Act amends § 3345 of Title 12 to include references to both the trustee or adviser of a trust, in each place in the statute where only the trustee was formerly referenced, to avoid any potential ambiguity about the statute’s application to beneficiary well-being trusts that are drafted to provide that the trustee shall provide beneficiary well-being programs at the direction of or with the consent of an adviser. Section 6 of this Act also shortens the first sentence of § 3345(d) of Title 12—the original introductory sentence was intended to convey that the statute is applicable where the trustee is directed by an adviser, but this introductory sentence is no longer necessary in light of the other changes to this statute that more directly spell out the dynamic of a directed trust. It is noted for the sake of clarity, however, that this shortening of the first sentence of § 3345(d) of Title 12 does not change that actions taken under § 3345(d) remain subject to applicable fiduciary duties. Section 6 of this Act also clarifies § 3345(d)(3) of Title 12 that payment for beneficiary well-being programs to a trustee or affiliate or adviser is permitted only if the governing instrument expressly authorizes such payment. Section 6 of this act also amends § 3345(d)(3) of Title 12 by deleting the word “fiduciary” as modifying the term “compensation” to reflect that some advisers who are not fiduciaries may receive compensation (and not to have any effect on whether a trustee or adviser is or is not a fiduciary). Section 6 of this Act also adds the word “prior” before the word “disclosure” in the last clause of § 3345(d)(3) of Title 12 to clarify that payment for beneficiary well-being programs to a trustee or affiliate or adviser is permitted without prior notice or prior disclosure to any beneficiary of the trust. Section 7 of this Act amends § 504 of Title 25 to coordinate one of the methods for opting out of the effect of § 504(a) upon the exercise of a power of appointment. The amendment is that the instrument of exercise of a power of appointment should make express reference to the provisions of § 501(a) of Title 25 and should expressly state that it shall not apply to the exercise of the power in order to effectuate the opt-out of § 504(a). This change replaces the prior provision that referred generally to § 501, rather than specifically to § 501(a). Section 8 of this Act provides an effective date.]]> Tue, 24 Mar 2026 19:44:46 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142783 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 11 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO ASSAULT.

This Act elevates the charge for assaulting a postal worker acting in the lawful performance of duty from assault in the third degree to assault in the second degree.]]> Tue, 24 Mar 2026 19:44:30 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142972 Delaware - Committee AN ACT AMENDING TITLE 10 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO CIVIL ARRESTS.

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

Currently, even when a defendant or individual obviously does not have the means to pay a financial penalty or fee, Delaware Courts are unable to waive certain mandatory minimum fines or fees at sentencing. This can create a constitutional crossroads, as our justice system has long recognized that the Fourteen Amendment prohibits “punishing a person for his poverty.” Bearden v. Georgia, 461 U.S. 660, 671 (1983). This Act gives courts the discretion to waive fines and fees, in whole or in part, in appropriate circumstances. It also creates a presumption that fines and fees will not be imposed when a defendant shows evidence of certain conditions, including receiving a public assistance benefit (like Medicaid, SNAP, or veterans’ benefits) or being represented by the Office of Defense Services. It also creates a hearing process for anyone already sentenced to pay a fine or fee. The changes in this Act are based on recommendations of the Criminal Legal System Imposed Debt Study Group created by House Bill 244, as amended by House Amendment No 2, of the 151st General Assembly, in its December 7, 2023, report. This Act takes effect 180 days after its enactment.]]> Tue, 24 Mar 2026 19:43:43 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142137 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 10 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO FAMILY COURT'S CRIMINAL JURISDICTION.

This Act clarifies and refines the criminal jurisdiction of Family Court. First, this Act alters the definition of “family” by removing the requirement that both parties be residents of this state. Second, this Act provides concurrent criminal jurisdiction in Family Court and the Court of Common Pleas for certain criminal offenses where the parentage of a child in common is in dispute. Finally, this Act provides Family Court and the Court of Common Pleas with concurrent criminal jurisdiction over non-felony, adult criminal cases that include charges that fall within both Family Court’s and Court of Common Pleas’ jurisdiction. This Act requires a greater than majority vote for passage because Section 28 of Article IV of the Delaware Constitution requires the affirmative vote of 2/3 of the members elected to each house of the General Assembly to confer jurisdiction of a misdemeanor on the Family Court. This Act makes technical corrections to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual. ]]> Tue, 24 Mar 2026 19:43:28 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143004 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 16 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO LONG TERM CARE FACILITIES.

This Act requires a long-term care facility to refund any deposit or minimum-stay-requirement charges to a resident or a resident’s family if the resident dies prior to or within 60 days of entering the facility, if the individual is unable to enter the facility due to a change in the individual’s medical condition or needs, or if the resident is discharged or transferred from the facility within the first 60 days. ]]> Tue, 24 Mar 2026 19:42:56 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=143003 Delaware - Committee AN ACT PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE III OF THE DELAWARE CONSTITUTION RELATING TO FILLING A VACANCY IN THE OFFICE OF THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR.

This Act is the first leg of a constitutional amendment to hold a special election when there is a vacancy in the office of Lieutenant Governor, unless that vacancy occurs between July 1 of the year in which the Lieutenant Governor is chosen and the date the Lieutenant Governor’s term begins. This Act is modeled after the process of holding a special election for a vacancy for a member of the General Assembly. As with special elections for the General Assembly, the details of the special election process for the Lieutenant Governor will be made part of Title 15 by separate legislation introduced along with the second leg of this constitutional amendment in the 154th General Assembly. This Act requires a greater than majority vote for passage because § 1 of Article XVI of the Delaware Constitution requires the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members elected to each house of the General Assembly to amend the Delaware Constitution. Amending the Delaware Constitution requires not only the passing of the changes in this Act, but also passage of the same changes after the next general election by the next General Assembly. This Act also makes technical corrections to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual.]]> Tue, 24 Mar 2026 19:42:45 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142986 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 ($120,000 for married filing jointly or married filing combined separate on the same return) and makes that credit refundable. For all others the tax credit remains unchanged.]]> Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:44:34 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142880 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 6 AND TITLE 30 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE.

This Act makes several changes to the Delaware Code relating to the Department of Finance (“Department”). Specifically: (1) Section 1 of this Act increases public transparency and clarifies that any officer or employee of the Department, or employee of this State who has access to tax returns or information from tax returns, may disclose information that appeared on the face of an expired license previously required to be displayed under § 2109 of Title 30. (2) Sections 2 and 3 of this Act define a trust fund tax, lists current trust fund tax types, and updates Title 30 to align all assessment and collection timelines for trust fund tax types. (3) Section 4 of this Act simplifies that the requirements that allow the Department’s Division of Revenue to take an extended lookback by removing repealed taxes and clarifying that exceptional underreporting measures are applied only against the tax liability and not other tax calculation elements. (4) Section 5 of this Act updates Title 30 regarding the notice of finality as it relates to trust fund taxes. (5) Section 6 of this Act modifies the filing due date for all 1099 forms to January 31 following the close of the taxpayer’s taxable year. (6) Section 7 of this Act clarifies the definition of “transfer.” (7) Sections 8, 9, and 10 of this Act make retroactive technical changes to the trade name registration process under Title 6.]]> Thu, 19 Mar 2026 17:37:46 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142785 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 4 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO MARIJUANA ESTABLISHMENT SPACING REQUIREMENTS.

This Act clarifies the application of the marijuana establishment spacing requirement in § 1354(e), Title 4 of the Delaware Code, by specifying that the distance limitation applies only to retail marijuana licenses. The Act aligns the marijuana licensing framework with Delaware’s existing liquor-control statutes, which impose spacing requirements on consumer-facing retail outlets but not on upstream operations such as production or wholesale activities. By limiting the spacing requirement to retail licenses, the Act permits the co-location of non-retail marijuana operations, including cultivation, manufacturing, and testing facilities, while preserving the Commissioner’s full regulatory authority over licensing, inspection, and enforcement.]]> Thu, 19 Mar 2026 17:37:17 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142748 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 11 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO SEXUAL OFFENSE REPORTING AND IMMUNITY FOR CERTAIN CRIMES.

This Act provides limited immunity from prosecution for persons who seek to report a sexual offense. Under this Act a person who is a victim or witness or otherwise seeks law enforcement assistance in relation to a sexual offense may not be charged, arrested, or prosecuted, or issued a civil citation for low-level crimes relating to drug or alcohol use or possession. This Act also provides that a person’s probation or pretrial release status may not be revoked or changed based on an incident for which the person would receive the limited immunity from prosecution provided under this statute.]]> Thu, 19 Mar 2026 17:36:02 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142744 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 4 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO LICENSES FOR SALE OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES.

This Act allows any municipality with a population of 50,000 or more to establish by ordinance rules for the location of liquor stores that are more restrictive than state law, and requires the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commissioner to refuse a license for any new establishment that does not comply with those rules.]]> Thu, 19 Mar 2026 17:35:06 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142728 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 12 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO PERSONS QUALIFIED TO RECEIVE LETTERS TESTAMENTARY OR OF ADMINISTRATION.

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

This Substitute for House Bill No. 84 prohibits employers from requiring meetings or communications the purpose of which is to convey the employer’s political or religious views, including views regarding unionization. The Act enumerates several situations to which the prohibition does not apply, including the communication of religious views by a religious employer, the communication of political views by a political party or organization, and training required to comply with civil rights laws and occupational safety and health laws. The statute also clarifies that the following communications are outside the scope of the prohibition: (1) An employer communicating to its employees any information that the employer is required by law to communicate, but only to the extent of that legal requirement; (2) An employer communicating to its employees any information that is necessary for those employees to perform their job duties; (3) An institution of higher education, or any agent, representative, or designee of that institution, meeting with or participating in any communications with its employees that are part of coursework, any symposia, or an academic program at that institution; (4) An employer that is a public entity communicating to its employees any information related to a policy of the public entity or any law or regulation that the public entity is responsible for administering; and (5) A tax exempt organization, as defined under United States Internal Revenue Code § 501(c)(3) communicating with its employees about policy issues that are relevant to the organization, its mission, or the people the organization serves, provided such communication is done in a non-partisan manner. The provision is added to the existing chapter dealing with discrimination in employment, and the Department of Labor is empowered to investigate employer practices, make rules and regulations, and commence civil actions if necessary. The Department of Labor is instructed to update, within 90 days of the effective date of this Act, the notices it prepares for use by employers regarding unlawful discrimination in employment to include the provisions of this Act. ]]> Thu, 19 Mar 2026 17:34:14 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142978 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 19 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO LABOR.

This Act adds minor league baseball players to the existing exemptions from state minimum wage and recordkeeping standards. After minor league players formed a union in 2022, minor league players represented by the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) signed their first collective bargaining agreement with Major League Baseball (MLB) in 2023. This exemption actualizes that existing collective bargaining agreement between the players union and MLB. ]]> Thu, 19 Mar 2026 17:33:17 -0400 153 https://www.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://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142890 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 14 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A TITLE IX COORDINATOR WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.

This Act establishes the position of a Title IX Coordinator in the Department of Education, whose purpose is statewide support, guidance, and oversight related to and providing for the enforcement of compliance with Title IX as it pertains to athletics in Delaware’s public schools serving grades 6 through 12. The Title IX Coordinator must do the following: 1) Offer annual Title IX training for school district and charter school Title IX coordinators, administrators, athletic directors, and coaches. 2) Provide non-legal technical Title IX assistance to school districts, schools, and charter schools, including model policies and best practices. 3) Collect and analyze data from school districts and charter schools to evaluate compliance with Title IX. 4) Identify, create, and maintain model Title IX policies and procedures. 5) Act as a liaison between public schools and federal agencies on updated rules and guidance. 6) Prepare a written report by December 1 of each year summarizing activities, findings, and recommendations for improving Title IX compliance and submit it to the Governor, General Assembly, and post publicly on the Department of Education website. This Act requires school districts and charter schools to annually post and report to the Department of Education the following information: 1) participation rates by sex in interscholastic and intramural athletics; 2) budget and expenditure information for boys’ and girls’ sports programs; and 3) other information determined necessary by the Coordinator to evaluate compliance. The Coordinator may issue systemic or school-specific non-legal guidance or request a school district, school, or charter school to engage in a strategic plan for improvement to address Title IX compliance. The Department of Education, in collaboration with the Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association, will establish rules and regulations to implement and enforce the Act. The Act provides that the Department of Education must request sufficient funding to support the Coordinator position and necessary upgrades to the Department’s data system to enable collection and analysis of athletics budget and expenditure data disaggregated by sex. ]]> Thu, 19 Mar 2026 16:46:01 -0400 153 https://www.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://www.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://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142864 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 26 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND NET METERING.

This Act removes the 8% cap on net energy metering for customer-generation.]]> Wed, 18 Mar 2026 12:33:33 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142884 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 11 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE VICTIMS COMPENSATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

This Act adds any act that contains the characteristics of a hate crime to the definitions of crimes for the purposes of the Victims Compensation Assistance Program.]]> Tue, 17 Mar 2026 17:42:31 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142814 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 7 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO REGULATIONS AND PROHIBITIONS CONCERNING GAME AND FISH.

This Act makes multiple changes to Title 7 of the Delaware Code. First it increases recreational hunting opportunities and clarifies that Sunday hunting is permitted for all game animals and game birds that the Department has established hunting seasons for, while allowing private landowners and public agencies discretion when and where Sunday hunting is permitted without being overly burdensome. This Act amends and simplifies the caliber of handgun ammunition permitted for deer hunting as well as updates the use of other hunting implements consistent with new and improved technology. This Act removes European and snowshoe hares as game animals and includes skunks and weasels as such. ]]> Tue, 17 Mar 2026 17:42:03 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142939 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 10 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO EVIDENCE AND WITNESSES.

This Act creates a privilege for confidential communications between a victim and a victim advocate. The victim can waive the privilege with a signed waiver. The privilege may also be overcome in certain circumstances, including mandated reporting of child abuse, communications relating to the intent to commit a violent crime, and in state custody and child abuse cases. This Act defines a victim advocate as an employee of a victim services agency, or formal volunteer under the supervision of an employee of a victim services agency who has completed a minimum of 20 hours of advocacy training. This substitute bill incorporates the change from HA1 to House Bill No. 213 regarding the exception for child abuse and state custody cases. It also explicitly excludes law-enforcement agencies and the Department of Justice from the definition of victim services agency. It clarifies that the victim advocate may claim the privilege but only on behalf of the victim. Finally, it adds a process and criteria for a defendant in a criminal case to overcome the privilege in certain circumstances. This is intended to mirror the exception to the therapist-client privilege articulated in Burns v. State, 968 A.2d 1012 (2009).]]> Tue, 17 Mar 2026 17:41:01 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=141899 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 16 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO FIREWORKS.

Delaware's current fireworks laws have led to confusion among consumers and noncompliance, with individuals frequently using fireworks outside of legally permitted days. Many consumers are unaware they are breaking the law, while those who knowingly violate it face fines too low to serve as a deterrent. This results in ongoing nuisances for neighbors, increased risks of bodily harm, and heightened dangers of fires and property damage. Additionally, out-of-state retailers advertise illegal fireworks in Delaware without consequence, further misleading consumers. The absence of a registration process for fireworks retailers limits the State Fire Marshal’s ability to oversee the sale and distribution of these potentially hazardous products. This bill strengthens enforcement by increasing fines, regulating sales through a permit system, ensuring consumer awareness through required safety information, and generating revenue for the Fire Marshal’s office to improve oversight and public education. This Act requires a greater than majority vote for passage because § 11 of Article VIII of the Delaware Constitution requires the affirmative vote of three-fifths of the members elected to each house of the General Assembly to impose or levy a tax or license fee.]]> Tue, 17 Mar 2026 17:40:27 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142955 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 9 AND TITLE 22 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS.

This Act proposes modifications to the in-building regulations regarding bi-directional amplifiers (BDAs).  Currently, buildings that are modified or renovated to exceed 25,000 square feet are not required to meet the GAT (Grid Acceptance Test) at 95% compliance for 800 MHz public safety in-building communications coverage, as is required for new buildings.  In some cases, contractors are tearing down all but one exterior wall and rebuilding which has drawn concern from Division of Communications.  The BDA helps to maintain quality in-building communications and to prevent “dead zone” areas so emergency public safety personnel can communicate during a response to an emergency situation.  This Act also removes language pertaining to an advisor committee that is no longer needed. The Act also removes the requirement that the Department of Safety and Homeland Security publish a map of buildings with these communication technologies due to safety concerns. ]]> Tue, 17 Mar 2026 17:38:10 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142943 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 15 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO AUTOMATIC VOTER REGISTRATION VERIFICATION AND ONGOING ELIGIBILITY REVIEW.

This Act requires the Department of Elections, in coordination with the Division of Motor Vehicles and any other state agency that administers automatic voter registration, to conduct a comprehensive audit of all voter registrations created through Delaware's automatic voter registration system since 2021 to ensure that individuals meet eligibility requirements including citizenship, residency, and age. The Act also requires mandatory eligibility verification for all future automatic voter registrations on an ongoing basis and establishes reporting requirements to ensure transparency and accountability.]]> Tue, 17 Mar 2026 12:51:29 -0400 153 https://www.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://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142866 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 23 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO CLASSES OF PILOTS' LICENSES.

This Act amends Title 23 of the Delaware Code to increase the maximum draft limit applicable to sixth class pilots from 27 feet to 29 feet, enabling the safe pilotage of deeper-draft vessels and aligning pilotage standards with modern shipping practices. This Act also makes technical corrections to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual.]]> Tue, 17 Mar 2026 12:51:29 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142892 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 11 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO CRIMES AGAINST PUBLIC ORDER.

Like House Bill No. 272, this Substitute creates the new crime of "interference with reproductive health services or exercise of religion”, which is based on a substantially similar federal law (18 U.S.C. § 248). The Superior Court is vested with jurisdiction over criminal prosecutions of this offense. This Substitute for House Bill No. 272 adds clarification by defining “place of worship”. This Substitute also replaces the phrase “discourage any person from obtaining or providing reproductive health services” with “seek to persuade any person with respect to a reproductive health choice or the provision of reproductive health services.” Finally, this Substitute adds language modeled on the similar federal law to clarify that nothing in this law (1) prohibits expressive conduct, including peaceful picketing or demonstration, that is protected under either the U.S. or Delaware Constitution, (2) creates new remedies for interference with activities protected by the free speech or exercise clauses or limit any existing legal remedies for such interference, nor (3) provides exclusive criminal penalties or civil remedies with respect to conduct prohibited under this law.]]> Thu, 12 Mar 2026 18:58:08 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142412 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 4 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO BARTENDING.

This Act changes the age at which a person can bartend from 21 years old to 18 years old, and requires that a bartender who is 18, 19, or 20 years old be directly supervised by a person who is 21 years of age or older and who is working behind the bar with the 18-, 19-, or 20-year-old. This Act also increases the frequency of statutorily mandated alcoholic beverage server training from every 4 years to every 2 years. To ensure that 18–20-year-olds are protected from sexually oriented content by virtue of being permitted to bartend, this Act prohibits anyone under the age of 21 from entering into or working in any capacity in a tavern or taproom that offers sexually oriented entertainment. This includes taverns and taprooms that are licensed as adult entertainment establishments under Chapter 16 of Title 24, taverns and taprooms that offer sexually explicit performances as defined in § 787 of Title 11, and tavern and taprooms that are advertised as “strip clubs,” “adult entertainment clubs,” “gentlemen’s clubs,” or that offer performances or services of a sexually oriented nature. Currently, Delaware is in the minority of states when it comes to requiring bartenders to be 21 years old. By reducing the legal bartending age to 18, this Act will help Delaware’s food service industry remain competitive with the many other states, including New Jersey and Pennsylvania, in which 18–20-year-olds can bartend. ]]> Thu, 12 Mar 2026 18:57:48 -0400 153 https://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142935 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 21 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO TINTING OF MOTOR VEHICLE WINDSHIELD, WINDOWS, OR SIDE WINGS.

Currently, window tint or other material placed on the front side windows of a motor vehicle must have a visible light transmission of 70% or greater unless the vehicle’s owner has a statement signed by a licensed practitioner of medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine or optometry verifying that tinted windows are medically necessary. Currently, there is not a visible light transmission requirement for the side windows behind the driver or the rear window. This Act changes this requirement to permit window tint or other material that has a visible light transmission of 35% or greater. This level is commonly used in other states and represents a reasonable balance between visibility for law enforcement and practical benefits for drivers. This Act makes clear there is not a visible light transmission requirement for the side windows behind the driver or the rear window. This Act clarifies the exception for vehicles operated by a law-enforcement officer by exempting these vehicles from this law. This Act also makes technical corrections to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual. ]]> Wed, 11 Mar 2026 17:54:39 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142800 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 14 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKERS.

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

This Act increases the size of the Governor’s Council on Agriculture from 7 to 9 members. The Act also requires that 1 member on the Council must be a livestock producer, and 1 member must be a farmer that is 40 years old or younger.]]> Wed, 11 Mar 2026 12:35:44 -0400 153 https://www.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://www.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://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142912 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 16 AND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO SUBSTANCE USE HARM REDUCTION.

This Act does all of the following: (1) Establishes a regulatory framework for substance use harm reduction programs that provides immunities for program providers and staff. (2) Modifies the definition of drug paraphernalia. (3) Decriminalizes possession of paraphernalia for individuals who use drugs, while retaining prohibitions for paraphernalia used in the manufacturing or distribution of drugs and the selling of certain drug paraphernalia. This Act also makes technical corrections to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual.]]> Thu, 05 Mar 2026 14:00:53 -0500 153 https://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142855 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 21 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE REMOVAL OF ICE AND SNOW FROM VEHICLES.

This Act requires that accumulated snow and ice be removed from surfaces of a vehicle before it is operated and imposes a civil penalty for a violation. This Act also creates a civil penalty for each instance where snow or ice dislodges from a moving vehicle and causes property damage or physical injury but this penalty is not an exclusive remedy for property damage or physical injury.]]> Thu, 29 Jan 2026 18:54:32 -0500 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=141740 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE OFFICE OF NEW AMERICANS.

This Act establishes the Office of New Americans to help improve the lives and economic prosperity of new Americans who come to Delaware and of all Delawareans generally.]]> Thu, 29 Jan 2026 17:48:46 -0500 153 https://www.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://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142846 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 30 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO DECREASING THE STATE'S REALTY TRANSFER TAX RATE OF TAXATION.

For conveyances having a property value of less than $350,000, the state will not assess a realty transfer tax. This Act also reduces the State's rate of realty transfer tax by 1/4% per year for 4 years, for residential property conveyances having a property value of $350,000 to $500,000.]]> Thu, 29 Jan 2026 12:30:36 -0500 153 https://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142792 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 11 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THEFT.

This Act permits the value of items stolen at separate times to be grouped and prosecuted as one charge, if the thefts were part of a pattern. It also allows the occurrence of an act in one jurisdiction to be used as evidence of a pattern being charged in another jurisdiction. This Act also makes technical corrections to existing law to conform to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual.]]> Wed, 21 Jan 2026 12:36:48 -0500 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142170 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLES 6 AND 16 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO PET STORES AND ANIMAL WELFARE.

This Act fosters the humane treatment of animals and prevents animal cruelty by prohibiting retail pet stores from selling dogs or cats. It further authorizes retail pet stores to collaborate with animal shelters and animal rescue organizations to offer space to showcase dogs or cats for adoption. The Office of Animal Welfare will be responsible for enforcing this Act. Retailers will receive a civil penalty of no more than $500 for each prohibited sale. This Act takes effect 6 months after its enactment into law.]]> Tue, 20 Jan 2026 20:25:23 -0500 153 https://www.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://www.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://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142572 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 14 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO CHILD CARE LICENSING.

Like House Bill No. 204, this Substitute establishes a dedicated Child Care Complaint Investigation Unit within the Office of Child Care Licensing, under the Department of Education, to enhance timely, transparent, and accountable responses to complaints involving licensed child care providers. This Substitute deletes a duplicative requirement contained in House Bill No. 204 for the Child Care Complaint Investigation Unit, specifies that the Unit must coordinate with the Department of Children, Youth, and Family Services rather than the Division of Family services within that Department, and clarifies that the annual public report prepared by the Unit must comply with applicable privacy laws and regulations. This Substitute also requires that, like House Bill No. 204, the Department of Education use existing staff and resources for the Unit, but further specifies that the staff must be reclassified and salaries aligned with the schedule set forth in section 1305 of Title 14. This Substitute changes the implementation date contained in House Bill No. 204 from 90 days to 180 days. ]]> Thu, 15 Jan 2026 16:45:57 -0500 153 https://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142683 Delaware - Committee REQUESTING THAT NEW CASTLE COUNTY, KENT COUNTY, AND SUSSEX COUNTY EACH STUDY, RESPECTIVELY, THE VIABILITY OF IMPLEMENTING A PROPERTY TAX FREEZE FOR DELAWARE RESIDENTS WHO ARE SENIORS.

This Resolution requests that each of the counties in this State study, respectively, the viability of implementing a property tax freeze for Delaware residents who are seniors and meet household income thresholds that each county establishes. This Resolution includes a model for the counties to consider in creating property tax freezes.]]> Thu, 07 Aug 2025 16:43:52 -0400 153 https://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142304 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 11 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO NONCOMPLIANCE WITH SENTENCING.

This Act makes it a class G felony if a person breaches a no contact provision of the person's sentencing order, where the sentence was for 1 or more felonies. This Act also makes it a class A misdemeanor if a person breaches a no contact provision of the person's sentencing order, where the sentence was for 1 or more misdemeanors and no felonies. ]]> Thu, 26 Jun 2025 22:03:52 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142636 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 16 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES.

This Act requires long-term care facilities to fully disclose ownership information for the facility and disclose ownership information to residents prior to the transfer of ownership of a facility.]]> Thu, 26 Jun 2025 22:03:13 -0400 153 https://www.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://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142301 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 11 AND TITLE 16 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE MATERIAL.

This Act changes the term “child pornography” to “child sexual abuse material”. There has been a growing national movement to ensure the correct terminology is used when identifying victims of human trafficking and sexual exploitation. Child sexual abuse material is the correct and widely accepted terminology for pornographic material depicting a child. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, child sexual abuse material is the preferred term because “it better reflects the abuse that is depicted in the images and videos and the resulting trauma to the child.” In 2016, an international working group, comprising a collection of countries and international organizations working to combat child exploitation, formally recognized ‘child sexual abuse material’ as the preferred term. This proposed change is supported by the Office of the Child Advocate, Delaware State Police, and the Department of Justice, as well as national organizations like the National Center Against Sexual Exploitation. ]]> Wed, 25 Jun 2025 21:42:42 -0400 153 https://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142584 Delaware - Committee ACT TO AMEND TITLE 18 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO UNFAIR PRACTICES IN THE INSURANCE BUSINESS.

This legislation is intended to ensure that individuals can, for a period of 60 days, rescind approval of a settlement in a personal injury case involving an automobile accident if the individual was unrepresented at the time of settlement and if payment is returned upon rescission. This act also requires notice to be given to an unrepresented individual of their right of recission in the release of liability. These changes will allow an individual greater ability to make an informed decision. This Act becomes effective on 6 months after its enactment into law.]]> Thu, 19 Jun 2025 14:24:22 -0400 153 https://www.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://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142554 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 10 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO INTERPERSONAL AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE IN THE MILITARY.

This Act requires the courts to consider whether a military protective order has been issued against a respondent in determining whether there is an immediate and present danger to the petitioner. It further requires that a law-enforcement officer notify the agency that entered a military protective order against an individual, if the law-enforcement officer has probable cause to believe that the individual violated the military protective order. ]]> Tue, 17 Jun 2025 12:48:01 -0400 153 https://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142498 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 expenditures in Delaware election campaigns. 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. It further 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. ]]> Wed, 11 Jun 2025 12:45:28 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142476 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE INNOVATING DELAWARE ACT.

This Act creates a tax credit for which accelerators may apply to incentivize the creation of industry and innovative businesses in Delaware. This tax credit may not reduce the recipient's tax burden by more than 50% and the program will be administered by the Division of Revenue. ]]> Tue, 10 Jun 2025 13:00:49 -0400 153 https://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142284 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, and (2) 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 shall 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 vacate the petitioner's conviction and grant the petitioner's motion for a new trial. 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. This Act is a substitute for and differs from SB 58 in that 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. In addition, this Act differs from SB 58 in that it clarifies that the court must grant relief if the relevant criteria are satisfied. Finally, this Act differs from SB 58 in that it requires the court to hear a claim within 180 days after the petition was filed, rather than 90 days, and in that it allows the Department of Justice 90 days to respond to a petition, rather than 30 days.]]> Mon, 09 Jun 2025 15:16:21 -0400 153 https://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142400 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 4 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO ALCOHOLIC LIQUORS.

This Act allows for the delivery of alcoholic liquors from any entity with a valid off premise license. In addition, this Act provides that the acts of a licensed consumer delivery permittee or a delivery driver are not attributable to the retailer.]]> Thu, 05 Jun 2025 11:16:39 -0400 153 https://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142374 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLES 16 AND 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO BEHAVIORAL HEALTH.

This Act authorizes the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health to issue licenses and adopt and enforce comprehensive regulations for behavioral health provider organizations and treatment programs. It requires provider organizations to obtain licenses to operate behavioral health treatment programs, with exemptions for certain practitioners and programs. It creates civil and criminal penalties for the provision of treatment services or the operation of programs without proper licensing or in violation of law or regulation.   This Act also establishes rights for community clients such as freedom from abuse, neglect, and exploitation; privacy; individualized treatment plans; and participation in their care. Residential clients have additional rights, including communication, personal belongings, and voting assistance. In addition to client rights, it establishes duties for provider organizations, which include treating clients respectfully, providing clear information, maintaining confidentiality, and establishing grievance procedures.   Furthermore, this Act requires provider organization staff to report incidents, including those involving abuse, neglect, or serious injury. It authorizes the Division to investigate reports and then take disciplinary action or refer the report to law enforcement.   This Act also makes technical corrections to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual.   Sections 6, 7, 10, 11, and 12 of this Act take effect immediately. Sections 1 through 5, 8, and 9 of this Act take effect immediately and are to be implemented the earlier of the following: 2 years after its enactment into law or notice by the Director of the Division published 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. 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 vote when the General Assembly gives criminal jurisdiction to inferior courts. ]]> Wed, 21 May 2025 18:36:58 -0400 153 https://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142308 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 24 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO DRY NEEDLING.

This Act authorizes physician assistants, occupational therapists, and nurse practitioners to practice dry needling. This Act sets forth requirements and limitations pertaining to the practice of dry needling. Dry needling may not be performed without a physician referral, and physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and occupational therapists may not hold themselves out as acupuncturists unless they are licensed acupuncturists.]]> Thu, 15 May 2025 13:16:10 -0400 153 https://www.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://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=142274 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 4 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO ALCOHOLIC LIQUORS.

This bill allows auction houses that are licensed by the Delaware Office of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commissioner to auction spirits, so long as the spirits being auctioned are not made available for sale in any licensed facility or store. ]]> Tue, 13 May 2025 18:27:11 -0400 153 https://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=141999 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLES 19 AND 29 RELATING TO HOME IMPROVEMENT DISPUTE RESOLUTION.

This Act directs the Division of Consumer Protection to establish a Home Improvement Dispute Resolution process through which a person who purchases home improvement services or materials from a contractor can initiate a dispute resolution process with the assistance of the Division. To be eligible for the dispute resolution process, the buyer must first send the contractor a written request to resolve the dispute and allow the contractor 20 days to respond. If the dispute is not resolved or the contractor fails to respond, the buyer may submit an application to the Division for assistance. Upon receiving notice from the Division that the buyer has initiated the dispute resolution process, a contractor must participate in good faith in the process. If the contractor fails to respond to the notice or fails to participate in good faith, it is deemed a violation of the Consumer Fraud Act and a notice will also be sent to the Department of Labor. A contractor who fails to participate in good faith in the dispute resolution process may also have their certificate of registration denied, suspended, or revoked. This Act also establishes that a buyer who initiates a civil action for damages incurred as a result of a violation of the Consumer Fraud Act related to a home improvement contract may be awarded actual damages, court costs, and reasonable attorneys fees. A buyer who initiates a civil action may also obtain up to treble damages if the buyer completed the steps to be eligible for the dispute resolution process, if the buyer made an offer of settlement at least 10 days prior to filing the civil suit and the contractor rejected the offer, if the offer was for less than the buyer is ultimately awarded by the court, and if the court holds that the contractor’s violation was wilful. This Act takes effect immediately and is to be implemented 6 months from the date of enactment. ]]> Thu, 17 Apr 2025 17:30:57 -0400 153 https://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=141979 Delaware - Committee AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 30 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO ELECTRONIC SMOKING DEVICES AND VAPOR PRODUCTS.

This Act prohibits the sale of electronic smoking devices and nicotine vapor products that are not included in a directory of manufacturers and products eligible to be sold in the state. To be added to the directory, manufacturers of electronic smoking devices and nicotine vapor products must certify that they have complied with federal tobacco product premarket application requirements and pay annual fees.]]> Thu, 20 Mar 2025 17:49:29 -0400 153 https://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?legislationId=141903 Delaware - Committee AN ACT PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE I OF THE DELAWARE CONSTITUTION RELATING TO THE RIGHT TO REPRODUCTIVE FREEDOM.

Like Senate Bill No. 5, this Act is the first leg of an amendment to the Delaware Constitution to ensure that every Delawarean is afforded reproductive freedom. This Act differs from Senate Bill No. 5 by making the following clarifications: (1) That an individual has a fundamental right to reproductive freedom relating to that individual’s pregnancy. (2) That the standard of medical judgment is a “good-faith medical judgment” rather than a “professional judgment”. (3) That the health care professional making the good-faith medical judgment is the “treating attending health care professional” rather than the “attending health care professional”. 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. ]]> Wed, 12 Mar 2025 12:14:43 -0400 153 https://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.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://www.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