DelawareHB 42153rd General Assembly (2024–2026)House

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 11, TITLE 16, AND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO HUMAN TRAFFICKING OF CHILDREN.

Sponsored By: Kimberly Williams (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Coordinated child interviews and medical exams

The Department must tell the Investigation Coordinator about deaths, serious injuries, sexual abuse, and suspected trafficking. The Coordinator tracks each case from the first report to the final result and shares updates with partners. Absent good cause, children ages 3 to 12 and all suspected trafficking victims are interviewed at a children’s advocacy center. In an active investigation, the Department may approve and arrange a medical exam to protect a child’s health and safety. With approval, siblings or other children in the home may be examined, and the Department may transport the child. Payment follows Title 18 § 3557.

Facilities alerted to trafficking charges

The Department of Justice must tell a licensed child‑welfare facility if an employee or associated person is charged with or convicted of child trafficking or exploitation. This notice helps facility leaders and parents protect children in care.

State review of child trafficking cases

Agencies must report suspected child trafficking to the Child Protection Accountability Commission through the Office of the Child Advocate. A review panel starts within 3 months and, unless there is good cause, finishes within 12 months. The Commission can issue system‑level findings and shares them with state leaders and the public within 20 days, following confidentiality rules and after prosecutions end. The Commission also sends quarterly updates and an annual report on trafficking work to the Delaware Child Protection Council.

Stronger powers and privacy for case reviews

The Commission can swear in witnesses and issue subpoenas to get records for reviews of child deaths, near deaths, and suspected trafficking. Records from these reviews are confidential, not public, and not admissible in court. Commission members, staff, contractors, and volunteers have legal immunity for good‑faith actions. The Office of the Child Advocate must staff the Commission and may hire or contract for help when funds are available.

Stronger reporting on child abuse and trafficking

The law adds child victims of human trafficking to Delaware’s child‑welfare rules. Anyone who knows or suspects abuse, neglect, or trafficking must report it to the Department; calling police does not replace this duty. If sexual abuse or suspected trafficking involves someone who has access to the child, you must call the report line right away. The Department enters every report into its tracking system. Licensed professionals and school staff must give their name and address when reporting; other reporters may stay anonymous, though the Department asks for their information after getting key facts.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Kimberly Williams
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

Nnamdi O. Chukwuocha
Democratic • House
Daniel B. Short
Republican • House
Mara Gorman
Democratic • House
Krista Griffith
Democratic • House
Stephanie L. Hansen
Democratic • Senate
Gerald W. Hocker
Republican • Senate
Kyra L. Hoffner
Democratic • Senate
Larry Lambert
Democratic • House
Spiros Mantzavinos
Democratic • Senate
Nicole Poore
Democratic • Senate
Melanie Ross Levin
Democratic • House
David P. Sokola
Democratic • Senate
John "Jack" Walsh
Democratic • Senate
David L. Wilson
Republican • Senate
Lyndon D. Yearick
Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 61 • No: 0

Senate vote • 7/1/2025

Passed (SM required)

Yes: 21 • No: 0

House vote • 6/12/2025