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DelawareSB 257153rd General Assembly (2024–2026)Senate

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 16 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO ANIMAL SHELTER OPERATION.

Sponsored By: Nicole Poore (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Shelters gain more animal placement options

Beginning January 1, 2027, shelters can transfer unclaimed, adoptable animals to another shelter or a registered rescue for adoption. They can also place animals in suitable homes. Shelters must maintain a registry of adoption and long-term placement partners, including breed-specific rescues, listing each group's preferred animal types and breeds. Shelters may inspect partner facilities. The existing minimum three-business-day hold for owner reclamation remains. Exceptions remain for owner-surrendered animals, animals with known owners, and cats returned through a free-roaming cat program. Existing euthanasia limits also remain: animals not adopted, transferred, reclaimed, or placed in a free-roaming cat program within five days may be euthanized only when no reasonable alternatives exist and required procedures are followed.

Clearer shelter rules and rescue limits

Beginning January 1, 2027, Delaware uses standard definitions for shelters, rescues, and foster homes across related animal-care laws. Shelters are nonprofit facilities with physical structures housing stray, abandoned, abused, or owner-surrendered cats or dogs; they may house other species. Foster homes and animal rescue organizations do not count as shelters. Rescues must be nonprofits that find permanent adoptive homes through a network of foster homes. They cannot run animal-housing facilities, breed animals, or buy animals from breeders or brokers. Shelter intake counts live animals taken into custody at the shelter, foster homes, or satellite locations.

Shelter licenses add costs and protections

Beginning January 1, 2027, Delaware shelters must get Department of Health and Social Services licenses and renew them yearly. Each physical branch needs its own license, which cannot be transferred. Application and renewal fees cannot exceed the department's costs to run the program. Shelters generally need an inspection before their first license. Shelters operating before January 1, 2027, skip that inspection if they passed an inspection during the preceding year. The department can deny, suspend, or revoke licenses for missing required licenses, breaking shelter rules, false records, or refusing inspections. Other grounds include uncorrected violations, unpaid fees or fines, and a history of breaking animal welfare laws. Civil penalties can reach $1,000 per violation, with each day of a continuing violation counting separately. The department may warn a first-time violator. Operators must receive notice and a chance for a hearing before license denial, suspension, revocation, or civil penalties. A temporary renewal license is available at the department's discretion when renewal requirements remain unmet but the renewal fee is paid.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Nicole Poore

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Daniel Cruce

    Democratic • Senate

  • Krista Griffith

    Democratic • House

  • Stephanie L. Hansen

    Democratic • Senate

  • Kyra L. Hoffner

    Democratic • Senate

  • Kendra Johnson

    Democratic • House

  • Kimberly Williams

    Democratic • House

  • Melanie Ross Levin

    Democratic • House

  • Laura V. Sturgeon

    Democratic • Senate

  • John "Jack" Walsh

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 59 • No: 0

House vote • 6/30/2026

Passed (3/5 required)

Yes: 39 • No: 0

Senate vote • 6/10/2026

Passed (2/3 required)

Yes: 20 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor

    9/8/2026Governor

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

    6/30/2026House

  3. Reported Out of Committee (Health & Human Development) in House with 10 On Its Merits

    6/18/2026House

  4. Assigned to Health & Human Development Committee in House

    6/11/2026House

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

    6/10/2026Senate

  6. Reported Out of Committee (Health & Social Services) in Senate with 1 Favorable, 5 On Its Merits

    5/20/2026Senate

  7. Introduced and Assigned to Health & Social Services Committee in Senate

    5/15/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • Current

    5/15/2026

    HTML

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