DelawareSB 157153rd General Assembly (2024–2026)Senate

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 10 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO PROVIDING FOR AN ADDITIONAL FAMILY COURT JUDGE IN SUSSEX COUNTY.

Sponsored By: David P. Sokola (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Sussex County gains one Family Court judge

The law increases Delaware's Family Court from 17 to 18 judges, adding one judge in Sussex County. Judges must have lived in Delaware for the five years immediately before appointment. Apart from the chief judge, 10 judges must live in New Castle County, three in Kent, and four in Sussex. The chief judge can live in any Delaware county. All judges have equal authority, and the court keeps its political-party balance requirement. Funding for the added judge was provided in the fiscal year 2025 budget, signed June 30, 2024.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

David P. Sokola
Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

Darius J. Brown
Democratic • Senate
Eric Buckson
Republican • Senate
Daniel Cruce
Democratic • Senate
Stephanie L. Hansen
Democratic • Senate
Kerri Evelyn Harris
Democratic • House
Gerald W. Hocker
Republican • Senate
Kyra L. Hoffner
Democratic • Senate
Russell Huxtable
Democratic • Senate
Dave G. Lawson
Republican • Senate
S. Elizabeth Lockman
Democratic • Senate
Spiros Mantzavinos
Democratic • Senate
Melissa Minor-Brown
Democratic • House
Edward S. Osienski
Democratic • House
Trey Paradee
Democratic • Senate
Brian Pettyjohn
Republican • Senate
Marie Pinkney
Democratic • Senate
Nicole Poore
Democratic • Senate
Bryant L. Richardson
Republican • Senate
Ray Seigfried
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: 55 • No: 0

House vote • 5/22/2025

Passed (SM required)

Yes: 35 • No: 0

Senate vote • 5/20/2025

Passed (SM required)

Yes: 20 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

Signed by Governor
5/27/2025Governor
Passed By House. Votes: 35 YES 6 ABSENT
5/22/2025House
Suspension of Rules in House
5/22/2025House
Assigned to Administration Committee in House
5/21/2025House
Passed By Senate. Votes: 20 YES 1 ABSENT
5/20/2025Senate
Suspension of Rules in Senate
5/20/2025Senate
Introduced in Senate
5/20/2025Senate

Bill Text

Current
5/20/2025
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