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DelawareHS 1 for HB 415153rd General Assembly (2024–2026)House

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLES 16 AND 24 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO VETERINARIANS AND MANDATORY REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.

Sponsored By: Krista Griffith (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Legal and privacy protections for reporting veterinarians

Veterinarians who report suspected cruelty in good faith are protected from civil or criminal liability, including in related court proceedings. They cannot face Board of Veterinary Medicine discipline for making the report. Reports, related records, and the veterinarian’s identity are confidential, with disclosure allowed by court order, another law, or the veterinarian’s consent. Enforcement agencies may also share reports or records with the veterinary board on request. Investigating agencies must adopt confidential procedures to protect the veterinarian’s identity and report information.

Veterinarians must report suspected animal cruelty

Delaware veterinarians must report suspected animal cruelty to the Office of Animal Welfare or another proper reporting authority for investigation. They must complete 1 hour of reporting training, including signs and symptoms of suspected cruelty. Current practitioners must finish before license renewal; new applicants must finish before receiving a license. Veterinarians must confirm completion to the Board of Veterinary Medicine before an initial license application or renewal, and repeat the training every 6 years. The board can impose professional discipline for violations of these requirements.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Krista Griffith

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Stephanie L. Hansen

    Democratic • Senate

  • Kerri Evelyn Harris

    Democratic • House

  • Kyra L. Hoffner

    Democratic • Senate

  • Kimberly Williams

    Democratic • House

  • Josue O Ortega

    Democratic • House

  • Sophie Phillips

    Democratic • House

  • Nicole Poore

    Democratic • Senate

  • Melanie Ross Levin

    Democratic • House

  • Claire Snyder-Hall

    Democratic • House

  • John "Jack" Walsh

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 61 • No: 0

Senate vote • 7/1/2026

Passed (2/3 required)

Yes: 20 • No: 0

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: 20 YES 1 ABSENT

    7/1/2026Senate

  3. Reported Out of Committee (Legislative Oversight & Sunset) in Senate with 3 Favorable

    6/24/2026Senate

  4. Assigned to Legislative Oversight & Sunset Committee in Senate

    6/18/2026Senate

  5. Passed By House. Votes: 41 YES

    6/18/2026House

  6. Reported Out of Committee (Sunset Committee (Policy Analysis & Government Accountability)) in House with 2 Favorable, 1 On Its Merits

    6/16/2026House

  7. Reported Out of Committee (Sunset Committee (Policy Analysis & Government Accountability)) in House with 2 Favorable, 1 On Its Merits

    6/16/2026House

  8. Adopted in lieu of the original bill HB 415, and Assigned to Sunset Committee (Policy Analysis & Government Accountability) Committee in House

    6/11/2026House

Bill Text

  • Current

    6/11/2026

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