DelawareHB 187153rd General Assembly (2024–2026)HouseWALLET

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 4 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO DIRECT PURCHASING AND SHIPMENT OF WINE.

Sponsored By: Michael F. Smith (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Your PRIA Score

Score Hidden

Personalized for You

How does this bill affect your finances?

Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this bill and every other piece of legislation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.

Free to start

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Wineries can ship to Delaware homes

Licensed wine producers can ship wine to a Delaware household for personal use, and someone 21+ must sign. Each household can receive up to three nine‑liter cases per year, and packages must state they contain alcohol and need a 21+ signature. Producers pay $100 to apply, then $400 every two years if shipping up to 200 cases a year or $3,600 if more. Carriers need a state permit ($500 to apply and $500 to renew every two years), and delivery staff must complete approved server training and must scan and keep a state ID at delivery. Direct shippers file quarterly invoices by March 10, June 10, September 10, and December 10 and keep records three years; both in‑state and out‑of‑state wine shippers report shipments and pay Delaware excise taxes quarterly. Licensees consent to Delaware audits and enforcement; permit holders get a hearing, and any fine is capped at the larger of 10% of average monthly permit fees or $1,000. The state can make rules and may approve, fine, suspend, or revoke licenses; common carriers generally receive permits unless tied to past suspensions or revocations.

Adults can order limited wine and beer

Delaware residents age 21 or older can order sparkling wine, still wine, and beer not readily sold in-state for personal use. You face yearly caps: up to 60 standard 750‑ml wine bottles and 6 cases of 12‑oz beer. Shipments cannot go straight to you; they go to a Delaware wholesaler, then a retail licensee delivers. Shippers pay handling fees per case ($4 for wine, $2 for beer) and must pay Delaware excise taxes, which can raise the final price. Packages must be labeled, include an invoice with date, items, and price, and an adult 21+ must receive them.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Michael F. Smith
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Daniel B. Short
Republican • House
Ronald E. Gray
Republican • House
Kimberly Williams
Democratic • House
Melissa Minor-Brown
Democratic • House
Brian Pettyjohn
Republican • Senate
Nicole Poore
Democratic • Senate
Claire Snyder-Hall
Democratic • House
Jeffrey N. Spiegelman
Republican • House
John "Jack" Walsh
Democratic • Senate
Lyndon D. Yearick
Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

Actions Timeline

HS 2 for HB 187 - Signed by Governor
8/15/2025Governor
HS 2 for HB 187 - Passed By Senate. Votes: 21 YES
7/1/2025Senate
HS 2 for HB 187 - Passed By House. Votes: 37 YES 3 NO 1 VACANT
6/30/2025House
HS 2 for HB 187 - - Passed In House by Voice Vote
6/30/2025House
HS 2 for HB 187 - - Stricken in House
6/30/2025House
Substituted in House by HS 2 for HB 187
6/30/2025House
Substituted in House by HS 2 for HB 187
6/27/2025House
HS 1 for HB 187 - Reported Out of Committee (Appropriations) in House with 5 On Its Merits
6/27/2025House
Substituted in House by HS 1 for HB 187
6/25/2025House
Assigned to Appropriations Committee in House
6/24/2025House
Reported Out of Committee (Economic Development/Banking/Insurance & Commerce) in House with 3 Favorable, 5 On Its Merits
6/17/2025House
Introduced and Assigned to Economic Development/Banking/Insurance & Commerce Committee in House
6/5/2025House

Bill Text

Current
6/5/2025
HTML

Related Bills

Back to State Legislation