DelawareHB 54 w/ HA 1153rd General Assembly (2024–2026)HouseWALLET

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 16 OF THE DELAWARE CODE ESTABLISHING THE OFFICE OF SUICIDE PREVENTION.

Sponsored By: Eric Morrison (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Director named and staff hiring

The Office has a Director who reports to the Division’s Director. The Director can hire staff if the Division recommends it and funding is available. This builds capacity but does not guarantee new positions.

Grants for suicide prevention work

The Office oversees funding application processes for suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention. It seeks grant funds to support these activities. Organizations can apply for grant money, but the law does not set dollar amounts.

State office coordinates suicide help

The law creates the Office of Suicide Prevention inside the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health. It is the central place to connect prevention, intervention, and postvention resources. The Office works with the Department of Services for Children, Youth and their Families. It assists the state suicide prevention coalition. It gives statewide guidance and works with local groups to promote best practices.

State suicide plan and updates

The Office must write Delaware’s Suicide Prevention Plan. The plan must be finished and approved by the suicide prevention coalition on or before January 1, 2026. The Office must update the plan at least every three years. The Office also prepares an annual report to the General Assembly and Governor, with the first report due October 15, 2026.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Eric Morrison
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

Stephanie T. Bolden
Democratic • House
Darius J. Brown
Democratic • Senate
Eric Buckson
Republican • Senate
Frank Burns
Democratic • House
William Bush
Democratic • House
Nnamdi O. Chukwuocha
Democratic • House
Daniel Cruce
Democratic • Senate
Krista Griffith
Democratic • House
Stephanie L. Hansen
Democratic • Senate
Debra Heffernan
Democratic • House
Gerald W. Hocker
Republican • Senate
Kyra L. Hoffner
Democratic • Senate
Russell Huxtable
Democratic • Senate
Kendra Johnson
Democratic • House
Kimberly Williams
Democratic • House
Kamela T Smith
Democratic • House
Larry Lambert
Democratic • House
Dave G. Lawson
Republican • Senate
S. Elizabeth Lockman
Democratic • Senate
Spiros Mantzavinos
Democratic • Senate
Melissa Minor-Brown
Democratic • House
DeShanna U Neal
Democratic • House
Josue O Ortega
Democratic • House
Edward S. Osienski
Democratic • House
Trey Paradee
Democratic • Senate
Brian Pettyjohn
Republican • Senate
Sophie Phillips
Democratic • House
Marie Pinkney
Democratic • Senate
Nicole Poore
Democratic • Senate
Bryant L. Richardson
Republican • Senate
Cyndie Romer
Democratic • House
Melanie Ross Levin
Democratic • House
Ray Seigfried
Democratic • Senate
Claire Snyder-Hall
Democratic • House
David P. Sokola
Democratic • Senate
Laura V. Sturgeon
Democratic • Senate
Bryan Townsend
Democratic • Senate
John "Jack" Walsh
Democratic • Senate
David L. Wilson
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 57 • No: 0

Senate vote • 6/26/2025

Passed (SM required)

Yes: 20 • No: 0

House vote • 6/12/2025