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DelawareHB 461153rd General Assembly (2024–2026)HouseWALLET

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 14 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO SCHOOL TAX.

Sponsored By: Cyndie Romer (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

New Castle County school tax growth limits

For 2026–2027, New Castle County school districts can reset school tax rates using the latest county property assessments. Projected operating revenue cannot exceed the prior year's level, with two exceptions. Districts can include approved referendum increases not yet received and increases matching their five-year average taxable-property growth rates. Those rates are Appoquinimink: 3.68%; Brandywine: 0.54%; Christina: 0.32%; Colonial: 1.10%; Red Clay: 0.58%; Smyrna: 0.31%; and New Castle County Vocational Technical: 0.96%. School boards must deliver their tax warrants by October 22, 2026, to the applicable county's tax receiver and treasurer. This revenue limit does not guarantee that each homeowner's tax bill stays the same or falls. The law expires March 31, 2027, unless the General Assembly extends it.

State advances cover school funding shortfalls

New Castle County school districts can request state advances for local school-fund shortfalls caused by this law in 2026–2027. The State must provide requested advances from State Division I funds. The law does not specify an advance amount or provide direct household payments. This temporary authority expires March 31, 2027, unless the General Assembly extends it.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Cyndie Romer

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Frank Burns

    Democratic • House

  • Nnamdi O. Chukwuocha

    Democratic • House

  • Daniel Cruce

    Democratic • Senate

  • Kerri Evelyn Harris

    Democratic • House

  • Russell Huxtable

    Democratic • Senate

  • Kimberly Williams

    Democratic • House

  • S. Elizabeth Lockman

    Democratic • Senate

  • Spiros Mantzavinos

    Democratic • Senate

  • Melissa Minor-Brown

    Democratic • House

  • Eric Morrison

    Democratic • House

  • Claire Snyder-Hall

    Democratic • House

  • Bryan Townsend

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 59 • No: 0

Senate vote • 6/30/2026

Passed (SM required)

Yes: 20 • No: 0

House vote • 6/16/2026

Passed (SM required)

Yes: 39 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor

    7/23/2026Governor

  2. Passed By Senate. Votes: 20 YES 1 NOT VOTING

    6/30/2026Senate

  3. Reported Out of Committee (Education) in Senate with 4 On Its Merits, 1 Unfavorable

    6/24/2026Senate

  4. Assigned to Education Committee in Senate

    6/16/2026Senate

  5. Passed By House. Votes: 39 YES 2 ABSENT

    6/16/2026House

  6. Reported Out of Committee (Administration) in House with 4 On Its Merits, 1 Unfavorable

    6/10/2026House

  7. Introduced and Assigned to Administration Committee in House

    6/4/2026House

Bill Text

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