DelawareHB 23153rd General Assembly (2024–2026)House

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 10 AND TITLE 11 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO HUMAN TRAFFICKING.

Sponsored By: Kimberly Williams (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Trafficking offenders face broader forfeiture

Courts must, on request, order people convicted of human trafficking crimes to forfeit property tied to the crime. This includes property used or intended to be used, and money or assets that came from the crime. The added crimes include patronizing a victim of sexual servitude and trafficking people for use of body parts. Real estate, vehicles, cash, and other assets can be taken.

Court can pause minor prostitution cases

In juvenile cases for prostitution or loitering, a lawyer, guardian ad litem, or court-appointed advocate can ask the court to pause the case. Family Court may pause it indefinitely and order specialized services, including those the state child services department identifies. If the minor substantially follows the services, the Attorney General must move to drop the paused charges no earlier than one year after the pause began. If the Attorney General shows the minor did not substantially comply, the court lifts the pause and the case continues.

Protective orders cover human trafficking

Family Court now treats human trafficking as “abuse” under its protective order rules. Victims of trafficking can use this to seek protective orders. The law uses the definition of trafficking from Delaware’s criminal code.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Kimberly Williams
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

William Bush
Democratic • House
Franklin D. Cooke
Democratic • House
Daniel B. Short
Republican • House
Mara Gorman
Democratic • House
Krista Griffith
Democratic • House
Stephanie L. Hansen
Democratic • Senate
Debra Heffernan
Democratic • House
Kevin S Hensley
Republican • House
Jeff Hilovsky
Republican • House
Kyra L. Hoffner
Democratic • Senate
Russell Huxtable
Democratic • Senate
Dave G. Lawson
Republican • Senate
Michael F. Smith
Republican • House
Brian Pettyjohn
Republican • Senate
Nicole Poore
Democratic • Senate
Bryant L. Richardson
Republican • Senate
Cyndie Romer
Democratic • House
Melanie Ross Levin
Democratic • House
David P. Sokola
Democratic • Senate
David L. Wilson
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 54 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/17/2025

Passed (SM required)

Yes: 19 • No: 0

House vote • 3/13/2025

Passed (SM required)

Yes: 35 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

Signed by Governor
5/7/2025Governor
Passed By Senate. Votes: 19 YES 2 ABSENT
4/17/2025Senate
Reported Out of Committee (Judiciary) in Senate with 3 Favorable, 2 On Its Merits
3/26/2025Senate
Assigned to Judiciary Committee in Senate
3/13/2025Senate
Passed By House. Votes: 35 YES 6 ABSENT
3/13/2025House
Reported Out of Committee (Judiciary) in House with 3 Favorable, 5 On Its Merits
1/29/2025House
Introduced and Assigned to Judiciary Committee in House
12/19/2024House

Bill Text

Current
12/19/2024
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