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DelawareHB 48153rd General Assembly (2024–2026)HouseWALLET

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLES 9, 21, AND 22 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO ACCESSIBLE PARKING SPACES.

Sponsored By: DeShanna U Neal (Democratic)

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Better Accessible Parking With Phased Deadlines

Accessible spaces must meet federal disability-access standards and state and local building codes. They must be as close as possible to accessible entrances along the shortest accessible route, subject to fire-code limits. Signs generally must be at least 12 by 18 inches and mounted at least 60 inches above the surface. They must show the access symbol, reserved-use wording, and current maximum fines; van spaces need a “Van Accessible” label. Access aisles need clear signs outside the aisle, blue borders, and contrasting 4-inch diagonal hatch lines. For every three federally required van-accessible spaces, one must be marked for wheelchair or scooter users unless minimum-parking rules prohibit it. Owners must keep spaces and aisles clear and promptly remove snow and debris; time limits are allowed only for metered spaces. New spaces installed after the law’s effective date must comply; existing spaces must comply when altered or within five years, whichever comes first. Required signs are due within two years of the effective date. Lots with 25 or fewer spaces and sites in national register districts or national historic areas are exempt until altered. Identification signs are not required at sites with four or fewer spaces or spaces assigned to specific dwelling or sleeping units; anti-discrimination protections still apply.

Stricter Parking Rules Protect Disability Access

On public and private property, accessible parking requires a valid disability plate, placard, or comparable out-of-state credential. The person covered by the credential must be driving or riding; organizational credentials require an eligible passenger. The law bans parking in access aisles and counterfeiting, altering, lending, or allowing unauthorized use of credentials. A first violation carries a mandatory $250 fine; a subsequent like offense carries a $500 fine. For a subsequent like offense, community service may replace or accompany the fine. Private-property owners and police on state or locally controlled property may tow illegally parked vehicles. The vehicle owner or operator pays towing and storage costs. Credential misuse can bring suspension for up to six months or permanent revocation; holders can apply for regular plates. Minor differences, including a missing sign, are not a defense when the space is otherwise clearly marked.

Property Owners Face Parking Permit Checks

Owners need a county or municipal permit before installing, restriping, repainting, resurfacing, or otherwise altering accessible parking spaces. Local governments may waive repeat permits for restriping, repainting, or resurfacing if the parking plan stays unchanged and the property remains compliant. The lot must first have received a permit under this law after its effective date. After permitted work, the issuing agency must verify compliance through a site inspection or documents and photos. A site inspection is required when submitted materials are insufficient. Each county and incorporated municipality must adopt construction, maintenance, permit, and verification rules; municipal rules cannot be weaker than county rules. Local governments may charge permit or compliance-check fees, and noncompliance can bring civil penalties up to $500. Permit-related civil penalties require a 90-day period to fix the problem before enforcement. The State must adopt implementing regulations, and the State Council for Persons with Disabilities and Architectural Accessibility Board develop a model verification form.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • DeShanna U Neal

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Debra Heffernan

    Democratic • House

  • Eric Morrison

    Democratic • House

  • Nicole Poore

    Democratic • Senate

  • Cyndie Romer

    Democratic • House

  • Melanie Ross Levin

    Democratic • House

  • Claire Snyder-Hall

    Democratic • House

  • John "Jack" Walsh

    Democratic • Senate

  • David L. Wilson

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

Actions Timeline

  1. HS 2 for HB 48 - Signed by Governor

    9/25/2025Governor

  2. HS 2 for HB 48 - Passed By Senate. Votes: 21 YES

    6/30/2025Senate

  3. HS 2 for HB 48 - Lifted From Table in Senate

    6/30/2025Senate

  4. HS 2 for HB 48 - Laid On Table in Senate

    6/30/2025Senate

  5. HS 2 for HB 48 - Reported Out of Committee (Environment, Energy & Transportation) in Senate with 2 Favorable, 3 On Its Merits

    6/18/2025Senate

  6. HS 2 for HB 48 - Assigned to Environment, Energy & Transportation Committee in Senate

    6/17/2025Senate

  7. HS 2 for HB 48 - Passed By House. Votes: 27 YES 7 NO 2 NOT VOTING 5 ABSENT

    6/17/2025House

  8. HS 2 for HB 48 - - Passed In House by Voice Vote

    6/17/2025House

  9. Substituted in House by HS 2 for HB 48

    6/10/2025House

  10. HS 1 for HB 48 - Reported Out of Committee (Health & Human Development) in House with 8 Favorable, 1 On Its Merits

    5/14/2025House

  11. Substituted in House by HS 1 for HB 48

    4/17/2025House

  12. Introduced and Assigned to Health & Human Development Committee in House

    3/6/2025House

Bill Text

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