DelawareSB 169153rd General Assembly (2024–2026)SenateWALLET

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 3, TITLE 6, TITLE 9, TITLE 10, TITLE 11, TITLE 14, TITLE 16, TITLE 19, TITLE 21, TITLE 24, TITLE 26, TITLE 29, TITLE 30, AND TITLE 31 OF THE DELAWARE CODE, AND THE CHARTER OF THE TOWN OF NEWPORT, RELATING TO TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS.

Sponsored By: David P. Sokola (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

15 provisions identified: 10 benefits, 1 costs, 4 mixed.

Higher daily fines for violators

Daily fines for ongoing violations are higher. Health and safety violations can cost up to $5,000 per day after the first day. Nonhealth violations can cost up to $2,500 per day after the first day. Each day counts as a separate violation.

Stronger help for postpartum mental health

Maternal and perinatal health providers must give materials about perinatal mood and anxiety disorders to pregnant and postpartum patients. Providers should encourage sharing those materials with family or caregivers. If you show symptoms or screen positive, providers must begin evaluation and take action to help.

Plan to expand school mental health

By December 31, 2025, the Department of Education must deliver a plan to extend school mental health services beyond K–5 into district preschools, middle schools, and high schools. The Early Childhood Council must meet at least six times a year and serve as the state’s Head Start advisory body. State early childhood service contracts can run up to five years if the budget funds them and providers meet standards.

24/7 2-1-1 help line statewide

Delaware operates a 24/7 2-1-1 number for nonemergency social service information and referrals. The state registers the line, names Delaware Helpline, Inc. as the main provider, and contracts for round‑the‑clock operation. The state also promotes public awareness. A 2-1-1 Advisory Board meets at least four times in the first year and takes public input.

New council plans water funding

A 16‑member Water Infrastructure Advisory Council plans public funding for drinking water and wastewater projects. It must hold a public meeting in each county before voting on the plan. Each year, it adopts a six‑year funding plan by November 15 and sends advice to the Clean Water Trust Fund by September 15. The council also sets funding standards and can recommend grants or loans.

Protects Medicaid with hospital assessment

The Department runs the hospital assessment so Delaware stays eligible for federal Medicaid funding. If federal CMS rules bar this kind of assessment, the §1032 assessment is suspended. The Hospital Quality and Health Equity Assessment Commission meets before the first payment is due and at least yearly. The Medicaid division reports on talks with CMS, and the Commission recommends any changes needed to keep federal eligibility.

Stricter rules for plant sellers

You must get a nursery license for each sales location before selling plants in Delaware and display it. Every plant shipment into Delaware must have outside labels and a state inspection certificate. Ads and labels cannot be false or misleading, and ads must show your license number. Uncertified or falsely labeled stock can be destroyed or sent back at your expense, and carriers must alert the state if paperwork is missing. Delaware may accept other states’ certification lists to cut paperwork, and you receive written notice and a hearing if charged with a violation.

Narrower criminal tax penalty coverage

The criminal failure‑to‑file or pay rule in §573 does not apply to estimated tax or taxes under §3002 and Chapters 51 and 52 of Title 30. The criminal fraud and false‑statement rule in §574 also does not apply to those same tax matters. This narrows criminal exposure but does not change what tax you owe.

New council to advise Corrections

The law creates a seven‑member Council on Correction, effective September 17, 2026. It must meet at least six times a year, with at least one meeting in each county, follow public‑meeting rules, and file an annual report by December 1. The Criminal Justice Council provides staff support.

Rules for green lights on snowplows

State and municipal snow‑removal vehicles may use green flashing lights only while they are working in cold weather. This clarifies when the lights are allowed on public roads and helps drivers understand what to expect.

Veterans agency improves records and meetings

The Executive Director of the Delaware Commission of Veterans’ Affairs, or a designee, must attend all meetings. The office must keep full records and preserve the Commission’s books and papers. These steps improve continuity and support for veterans’ services.

Newport uses county assessments and plans

Newport can use New Castle County’s assessment list for town taxes, and must use the county roll to apportion the levy. The Town Manager may adjust for new construction, exemptions, uses not shown, or clear errors and must certify the roll. The Town Manager prepares capital plans for Commission approval. Commissioners must adopt a comprehensive plan at least every 10 years after a public hearing.

Minimum spend for workforce housing grants

Workforce housing projects must meet a minimum qualified investment of at least $25,000 to qualify for Delaware Workforce Housing grants. The Housing Authority may change this minimum once per year by project type or other criteria. Only spending above the minimum counts as the qualified investment for that year.

Annual safety checks for employers

Employers in the workplace safety program must apply each year to stay in. After the first year, there is one unannounced inspection each year. The Department of Insurance keeps a list of inspection charges and provides it on request.

Exempt utilities must plan for renewables

Municipal electric companies and rural co‑ops that choose an exemption must submit a plan at the start of 2025 to increase renewable purchases and help meet state carbon goals. They must file annual progress reports. If an offshore wind contract is approved by the State Energy Office, they must report whether they join, explain any nonparticipation, and show how they will boost renewable purchases.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

David P. Sokola
Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

Timothy D. Dukes
Republican • House
Kerri Evelyn Harris
Democratic • House
Gerald W. Hocker
Republican • Senate
S. Elizabeth Lockman
Democratic • Senate
Melissa Minor-Brown
Democratic • House
Edward S. Osienski
Democratic • House
Brian Pettyjohn
Republican • Senate
Jeffrey N. Spiegelman
Republican • House
Bryan Townsend
Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 58 • No: 0

House vote • 6/30/2025

Passed (3/4 required)

Yes: 40 • No: 0

Senate vote • 6/12/2025