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DelawareHB 452153rd General Assembly (2024–2026)House

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 14 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE DELAWARE INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION AND BACKGROUND CHECKS FOR CHILD-SERVING ENTITIES.

Sponsored By: Nnamdi O. Chukwuocha (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

New safety checks for school sports officials

The law adds screening to protect Delaware school sports participants and bars officials with disqualifying records. Officials not already covered by state child-serving background-check rules need initial and later fingerprint-based state and federal criminal checks. They also need Child Protection Registry checks. Officials’ associations obtain and review the checks against state disqualification rules. Ongoing criminal-record updates go to the Department of Education, or to the sports association for private schools outside Rap Back. Officials’ associations must sign agreements to keep check records and provide them to the Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association upon request. These rules start July 1, 2027, or earlier when notice of adopted implementing regulations appears in the Delaware Register of Regulations.

New training rules for school sports

Delaware middle and secondary school athletes must complete sportsmanship and anti-harassment training each year as part of athletic eligibility. Coaches and officials must complete diversity and anti-discrimination training. It covers hidden bias, harassment prevention, understanding different cultures, and inclusion. These requirements add protections against harassment and discrimination while adding a condition for students to play. They start July 1, 2027, or earlier when notice of adopted implementing regulations appears in the Delaware Register of Regulations.

Stronger school sports investigations and enforcement

Member schools must fully cooperate with Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association investigations of alleged rule violations. Its Board must set procedures for investigations, hearings, violation decisions, and penalties. Schools, athletes, coaches, administrators, officials, and spectators can face reprimands, probation, fines, suspensions, or other actions. The Board must also set procedures for interpreting rules and hearing and deciding requests for exceptions. It sets fees for officiating contests, but the law states no dollar amount. These rules start July 1, 2027, or earlier when notice of adopted implementing regulations appears in the Delaware Register of Regulations.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Nnamdi O. Chukwuocha

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Alonna Berry

    Democratic • House

  • Daniel Cruce

    Democratic • Senate

  • Kendra Johnson

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 54 • No: 3

Senate vote • 7/1/2026

Passed (SM required)

Yes: 13 • No: 3

House vote • 6/18/2026

Passed (3/4 required)

Yes: 41 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor

    7/23/2026Governor

  2. Passed By Senate. Votes: 13 YES 3 NO 2 NOT VOTING 3 ABSENT

    7/1/2026Senate

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

    6/24/2026Senate

  4. Assigned to Education Committee in Senate

    6/18/2026Senate

  5. Passed By House. Votes: 41 YES

    6/18/2026House

  6. Reported Out of Committee (Education) in House with 9 On Its Merits

    6/17/2026House

  7. Introduced and Assigned to Education Committee in House

    6/4/2026House

Bill Text

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