DelawareHS 1 for HB 55153rd General Assembly (2024–2026)HouseWALLET

AN ACT TO AMEND THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO PROHIBITED DISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF MILITARY STATUS.

Sponsored By: Nnamdi O. Chukwuocha (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Your PRIA Score

Score Hidden

Personalized for You

How does this bill affect your finances?

Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this bill and every other piece of legislation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.

Free to start

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Stronger job rights for military families

Employers, labor groups, and hiring agencies cannot refuse to hire, fire, pay less, or block training because of military status. This covers private jobs and Delaware’s classified service. Retaliation is banned. Veterans’ preference and other differences allowed by law or government contract still apply. A job can consider military status only if it is a true job requirement.

Businesses cannot deny service to military families

Public places like stores and restaurants cannot deny service, limit access, or post biased ads because of military status. This protects service members, veterans, and military dependents.

Insurers cannot discriminate against military families

Insurance companies cannot refuse coverage, limit benefits, or charge different premiums because of military status. Legally authorized military discounts and other distinctions allowed by law or government contracts still apply. The Department of Insurance takes and investigates complaints.

Fair housing rules for military families

Sellers, landlords, and agents cannot refuse housing, cancel a lease, or charge higher rent because of military status. They cannot limit services or run ads that exclude you. Senior-only housing that follows fair housing laws is still allowed. Distinctions required by State or federal law or a government contract are not violations. Beginning December 31, 2028, the rental law adds this clarification directly in the statute.

Charter schools cannot reject military families

Charter schools cannot treat students worse or deny admission because of military status. This protects children of service members, veterans, and military dependents.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Nnamdi O. Chukwuocha
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

Frank Burns
Democratic • House
William Bush
Democratic • House
Krista Griffith
Democratic • House
Debra Heffernan
Democratic • House
Jeff Hilovsky
Republican • House
Gerald W. Hocker
Republican • Senate
Kyra L. Hoffner
Democratic • Senate
Kendra Johnson
Democratic • House
Larry Lambert
Democratic • House
Spiros Mantzavinos
Democratic • Senate
Eric Morrison
Democratic • House
Josue O Ortega
Democratic • House
Nicole Poore
Democratic • Senate
Melanie Ross Levin
Democratic • House
David P. Sokola
Democratic • Senate
John "Jack" Walsh
Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 61 • No: 0

Senate vote • 7/1/2025

Passed (SM required)

Yes: 21 • No: 0

House vote • 6/17/2025

Passed (2/3 required)

Yes: 40 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

Signed by Governor
7/23/2025Governor
Passed By Senate. Votes: 21 YES
6/30/2025Senate
Reported Out of Committee (Veterans Affairs) in Senate with 1 Favorable, 8 On Its Merits
6/24/2025Senate
Assigned to Veterans Affairs Committee in Senate
6/17/2025Senate
Passed By House. Votes: 40 YES 1 ABSENT
6/17/2025House
Reported Out of Committee (Veterans Affairs) in House with 7 Favorable, 7 On Its Merits
5/23/2025House
Adopted in lieu of the original bill HB 55, and Assigned to Veterans Affairs Committee in House
4/15/2025House

Bill Text

Current
4/15/2025
HTML

Related Bills

Back to State Legislation