DelawareHB 158 w/ HA 1153rd General Assembly (2024–2026)HouseWALLET

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 20 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO EMERGENCY PLANNING.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Emergency vaccines or isolation for refusal

During a declared public health emergency, the public health authority may require vaccines or medical treatment to stop spread. Authorized, qualified people can give the shots or treatment. The vaccine or treatment must not be reasonably likely to cause serious harm. If you refuse for health, religious, or conscience reasons, the authority may isolate or quarantine you under the legal procedures. The law defines a contagious disease to include spread between people, and from animals or insects to people.

Public Health Emergency Council and meetings

The law creates the Public Health Emergency Planning Council to advise the Governor. The Health and Social Services Secretary, or a designee, chairs the Council. The Governor appoints members from hospitals, local health departments, local governments, police, fire, EMS, community health centers, and volunteer groups. A quorum is a majority of voting members, not counting vacant seats, and a replacement serves the rest of the term. The Council meets at least once a year, and during an emergency it must meet within 30 days and then at least every 30 days until the emergency ends.

Quick court reviews of quarantine

If you are isolated or quarantined, you can ask the court to review keeping you there. You can ask starting 10 days after the initial hearing. The court must hold the hearing within 72 hours, not counting weekends and legal holidays. The order stays in place during review, and health officials must show clear and convincing evidence you still pose a serious risk. You may also ask the Superior Court to review your treatment or the terms of your order, and it must hold that hearing within 10 days.

Update and test the statewide health plan

The Council reviews the Public Health Emergency Operations Coordination Plan every two years. The plan serves both statewide and regional needs and meets federal bioterrorism requirements. People who carry out the plan get timely training, and the plan is tested regularly. The Council also creates a hospital biopreparedness subcommittee with DEMA, Health and Social Services, the medical community, and local EMS.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Frank Burns
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

Nnamdi O. Chukwuocha
Democratic • House
Stephanie L. Hansen
Democratic • Senate
Larry Lambert
Democratic • House
Eric Morrison
Democratic • House
Ray Seigfried
Democratic • Senate
John "Jack" Walsh
Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 61 • No: 0

Senate vote • 6/26/2025

Passed (2/3 required)

Yes: 21 • No: 0

House vote • 6/10/2025

Passed (SM required)

Yes: 40 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

Signed by Governor
8/25/2025Governor
Passed By Senate. Votes: 21 YES
6/26/2025Senate
Reported Out of Committee (Health & Social Services) in Senate with 2 Favorable, 3 On Its Merits
6/18/2025Senate
Assigned to Health & Social Services Committee in Senate
6/10/2025Senate
Passed By House. Votes: 40 YES 1 ABSENT
6/10/2025House
Amendment HA 1 to HB 158 - Passed In House by Voice Vote
6/10/2025House
Amendment HA 1 to HB 158 - Introduced and Placed With Bill
6/10/2025House
Reported Out of Committee (Health & Human Development) in House with 5 Favorable, 9 On Its Merits
5/21/2025House
Introduced and Assigned to Health & Human Development Committee in House
5/8/2025House

Bill Text

Current
5/8/2025
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