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.

Court services and charge relief for minors

In a minor's loitering case, a party, including a court-appointed advocate or guardian's attorney, can request a pause. The Attorney General can oppose the request. Family Court can pause the case indefinitely and order specialized services through the state's children's department or the court. After at least one year, the Attorney General can seek dismissal if the minor substantially follows the service orders. If the Attorney General moves that the minor has not substantially followed them, the court must resume the case. The law also removes an outdated reference to prostitution charges against minors; prostitution is an offense only for adults 18 and older.

More court protection for trafficking victims

Delaware now counts human trafficking as abuse for Family Court protective orders. People can seek a protective order based on conduct covered by Delaware's human trafficking law.

More trafficking crimes trigger property loss

Delaware expands property forfeiture to cover two more trafficking crimes. These are patronizing a victim of sexual servitude and trafficking people for body parts. After a covered conviction and a forfeiture motion, the court must order qualifying property taken away. This includes real estate and personal property used, or intended for use, to commit or help the crime. It also includes proceeds from the crime and property derived from those proceeds.

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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