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DelawareHB 220153rd General Assembly (2024–2026)House

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 10 AND TITLE 11 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE JUVENILE CIVIL CITATION PROGRAM.

Sponsored By: Debra Heffernan (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Regular police training on sexual assault

The state commission sets in‑service training rules. Patrol officers and sex‑crimes investigators get at least 2 hours every 4 years on detecting, preventing, and prosecuting sexual assault. Training is staggered so about half get it every 2 years. Training also covers the Juvenile Civil Citation Program.

All changes start 18 months later

All parts of this law take effect 18 months after enactment. The law does not set a sunset date.

More diversion options for first-time juveniles

The law steers some cases to a civil citation instead of charges. A juvenile qualifies only with no prior delinquency and no diversion referral in the last 1 year. Officers must think about giving a citation but still decide. The juvenile must agree and a parent or guardian must consent. If there is a victim, the victim must consent unless the case goes under §1002. If an officer charges instead for crimes like theft, shoplifting, trespass, graffiti, disorderly conduct, harassment, or loitering, the officer must record the reason in the state system. Every police agency must send a yearly report listing when qualified juveniles were charged instead of cited.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Debra Heffernan

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • William Bush

    Democratic • House

  • Nnamdi O. Chukwuocha

    Democratic • House

  • Mara Gorman

    Democratic • House

  • Krista Griffith

    Democratic • House

  • Larry Lambert

    Democratic • House

  • S. Elizabeth Lockman

    Democratic • Senate

  • Eric Morrison

    Democratic • House

  • Josue O Ortega

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 61 • No: 0

Senate vote • 7/1/2025

Passed (2/3 required)

Yes: 21 • No: 0

House vote • 6/27/2025

Passed (SM required)

Yes: 40 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor

    8/20/2025Governor

  2. Passed By Senate. Votes: 21 YES

    6/30/2025Senate

  3. Reported Out of Committee (Finance) in Senate with 5 On Its Merits

    6/30/2025Senate

  4. Assigned to Finance Committee in Senate

    6/30/2025Senate

  5. Reported Out of Committee (Executive) in Senate with 1 Favorable, 6 On Its Merits

    6/30/2025Senate

  6. Assigned to Executive Committee in Senate

    6/26/2025Senate

  7. Passed By House. Votes: 40 YES 1 VACANT

    6/26/2025House

  8. Reported Out of Committee (Appropriations) in House with 3 Favorable, 1 On Its Merits

    6/25/2025House

  9. Assigned to Appropriations Committee in House

    6/20/2025House

  10. Reported Out of Committee (Judiciary) in House with 6 On Its Merits

    6/18/2025House

  11. Introduced and Assigned to Judiciary Committee in House

    6/10/2025House

Bill Text

  • Current

    6/10/2025

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