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DelawareSB 132153rd General Assembly (2024–2026)SenateWALLET

AN ACT TO AMEND CHAPTER 56, TITLE 25 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD-TENANT CODE.

Sponsored By: Daniel Cruce (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Funded legal help for renters

The law lets the Attorney General and the State Court Administrator choose and contract with nonprofit legal groups to represent eligible tenants. The State Court Administrator provides a designated appropriation to Delaware Volunteer Legal Services so Legal Aid Agencies can deliver services, with fair, just pay to keep quality, supervision, and manageable caseloads. Legal representation means ongoing, high-quality help, including advice, advocacy, and filing a notice of appearance. Non-lawyers can represent tenants only if Delaware Supreme Court rules allow it. A Right to Representation Coordinator manages these funds and, when funding is available, runs in-person and online trainings, gives written materials, supports tenant associations, and refers tenants to providers.

Tenant counsel phased in by 2028

The program phases in tenant legal representation and must be fully in place by June 30, 2028, if full funding is appropriated. Until then, some eligible renters may not get counsel right away.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Daniel Cruce

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Nnamdi O. Chukwuocha

    Democratic • House

  • Mara Gorman

    Democratic • House

  • Krista Griffith

    Democratic • House

  • Kyra L. Hoffner

    Democratic • Senate

  • Melissa Minor-Brown

    Democratic • House

  • Josue O Ortega

    Democratic • House

  • Bryan Townsend

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 59 • No: 0

House vote • 6/25/2025

Passed (3/4 required)

Yes: 39 • No: 0

Senate vote • 5/21/2025

Passed (SM required)

Yes: 20 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor

    9/3/2025Governor

  2. Passed By House. Votes: 39 YES 1 ABSENT 1 VACANT

    6/25/2025House

  3. Reported Out of Committee (Housing) in House with 8 On Its Merits

    6/10/2025House

  4. Assigned to Housing Committee in House

    5/22/2025House

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

    5/21/2025Senate

  6. Reported Out of Committee (Judiciary) in Senate with 2 Favorable, 2 On Its Merits

    5/14/2025Senate

  7. Re-Assigned to Judiciary Committee in Senate

    5/9/2025Senate

  8. Introduced and Assigned to Housing & Land Use Committee in Senate

    5/8/2025Senate

Bill Text

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