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DelawareSB 254153rd General Assembly (2024–2026)Senate

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 9 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE STATE FARMLAND VALUATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE.

Sponsored By: Kyra L. Hoffner (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Larger Delaware farmland committee meets publicly

The law expands Delaware’s farmland committee from 3 to 7 voting members and adds 3 non-voting county assessment officials. The Secretary of Finance chairs it. Voting members also include the Agriculture Secretary and the University of Delaware’s agriculture dean, or their designees. The Governor appoints four voting members: one each from three-person lists supplied by the State Grange and Farm Bureau, plus experts in agricultural financing and farmland valuation. Each county supplies one non-voting assessment official. All members must live in Delaware, and no more than 4 voting members may share a political party. Members receive no pay and serve 3-year terms starting July 1, with one additional term allowed. The Governor fills vacancies for the remaining term and may remove members for serious inefficiency, misconduct, failure to act, or neglect. Missing 3 consecutive meetings without good cause counts as neglect and resignation. Meetings must be public and held at least quarterly. The Department of Finance must provide reasonable staff help, but the law specifies no funding amount.

Delaware farmland values get regular reviews

The committee sets land-value ranges based on productive use for farming, growing plants, or forestry. It must consider soil surveys and other relevant evidence. Its formula must use at least the preceding 20 years of land values. The committee must review its formula and methods at least every 2 years and make changes as needed. An annual report must publish its value determinations and any reviews of its formula and methods. By February 1 each year, it must send the report to the Governor, General Assembly, county assessors, and the Director and Librarian of the Division of Legislative Services. The law does not set a specific increase or decrease in a landowner’s property tax bill.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Kyra L. Hoffner

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Alonna Berry

    Democratic • House

  • William J. Carson

    Democratic • House

  • Stephanie L. Hansen

    Democratic • Senate

  • Kerri Evelyn Harris

    Democratic • House

  • Gerald W. Hocker

    Republican • Senate

  • Russell Huxtable

    Democratic • Senate

  • David P. Sokola

    Democratic • Senate

  • David L. Wilson

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 57 • No: 1

House vote • 6/16/2026

Passed (3/5 required)

Yes: 37 • No: 1

Senate vote • 4/21/2026

Passed (SM required)

Yes: 20 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor

    6/24/2026Governor

  2. Passed By House. Votes: 37 YES 1 NO 3 ABSENT

    6/16/2026House

  3. Reported Out of Committee (Agriculture) in House with 10 On Its Merits

    6/10/2026House

  4. Assigned to Agriculture Committee in House

    4/22/2026House

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

    4/21/2026Senate

  6. Amendment SA 3 to SB 254 - Passed By Senate. Votes: 20 YES 1 ABSENT

    4/21/2026Senate

  7. Amendment SA 2 to SB 254 - Stricken in Senate

    4/21/2026Senate

  8. Amendment SA 1 to SB 254 - Passed By Senate. Votes: 20 YES 1 ABSENT

    4/21/2026Senate

  9. Amendment SA 3 to SB 254 - Introduced and Placed With Bill

    4/21/2026Senate

  10. Amendment SA 2 to SB 254 - Introduced and Placed With Bill

    4/21/2026Senate

  11. Reported Out of Committee (Agriculture) in Senate with 1 Favorable, 4 On Its Merits

    4/16/2026Senate

  12. Amendment SA 1 to SB 254 - Introduced and Placed With Bill

    3/23/2026Senate

  13. Introduced and Assigned to Agriculture Committee in Senate

    3/9/2026Senate

Bill Text

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