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DelawareHB 53 w/ HA 1153rd General Assembly (2024–2026)HouseWALLET

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 26 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE AND DEVICES FOR PERSONS WHO HAVE DEAFNESS, HEARING LOSS, OR SPEECH DISABILITIES.

Sponsored By: Eric Morrison (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.

Program rules and yearly public report

The Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing can set rules, procedures, and eligibility for the program. Each year by September 30, the Office publishes a report on applications, approvals, denials, money spent (including admin and staffing), how funds were used, and the ending Fund balance. The report is posted on the Office’s website.

Surcharge on Delaware wireline phone bills

Wireline phone companies in Delaware must add a separate surcharge on customer bills. The money pays for relay services and assistive devices. The surcharge can be adjusted each year. Providers get at least 90 days’ notice before any change.

Phone access and devices for deaf residents

Delaware runs a program for residents with deafness, hearing loss, or speech disabilities. Wireline phone providers must take part. The Office enrolls people and may approve up to 10 new users each month, first‑come, first‑served. The state provides a relay service and can use contractors to run it. The Office posts a list of eligible devices, like amplified phones and alerting devices, that the program can provide. These services begin one year after the law is enacted.

Special fund with strict spending limits

The law creates a special Fund to pay for the relay service, devices, and program costs. Money in the Fund carries forward each June 30 and does not return to the General Fund. No more than 15% of yearly Fund revenue may pay staff, and no more than 15% may pay other administrative costs. The Fund must keep a reserve equal to at least three months of average prior‑year expenses.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Eric Morrison

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Frank Burns

    Democratic • House

  • William Bush

    Democratic • House

  • Richard G. Collins

    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

  • Kendra Johnson

    Democratic • House

  • S. Elizabeth Lockman

    Democratic • Senate

  • Shannon Morris

    Republican • House

  • DeShanna U Neal

    Democratic • House

  • Edward S. Osienski

    Democratic • House

  • Trey Paradee

    Democratic • Senate

  • Nicole Poore

    Democratic • Senate

  • Cyndie Romer

    Democratic • House

  • Melanie Ross Levin

    Democratic • House

  • Claire Snyder-Hall

    Democratic • House

  • John "Jack" Walsh

    Democratic • Senate

  • Madinah Wilson-Anton

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 56 • No: 0

Senate vote • 6/17/2025

Passed (3/5 required)

Yes: 20 • No: 0

House vote • 3/18/2025

Passed (SM required)

Yes: 36 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor

    7/21/2025Governor

  2. Passed By Senate. Votes: 20 YES 1 ABSENT

    6/17/2025Senate

  3. Reported Out of Committee (Banking, Business, Insurance & Technology) in Senate with 6 On Its Merits

    3/26/2025Senate

  4. Assigned to Banking, Business, Insurance & Technology Committee in Senate

    3/18/2025Senate

  5. Passed By House. Votes: 36 YES 5 ABSENT

    3/18/2025House

  6. Amendment HA 1 to HB 53 - Passed In House by Voice Vote

    3/18/2025House

  7. Amendment HA 1 to HB 53 - Introduced and Placed With Bill

    3/12/2025House

  8. Reported Out of Committee (Technology & Telecommunications) in House with 3 Favorable, 4 On Its Merits

    3/11/2025House

  9. Introduced and Assigned to Technology & Telecommunications Committee in House

    3/6/2025House

Bill Text

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