DelawareSB 260153rd General Assembly (2024–2026)Senate

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 14 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE DELAWARE CERTIFICATE OF ARTS EXCELLENCE.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

New arts certificate for Delaware graduates

The law creates the Delaware Certificate of Arts Excellence to recognize graduates’ sustained work and achievement in the arts. Starting in the 2027–2028 school year, students apply through their Delaware district, charter, or private high school. Schools check eligibility, send qualifying applications to the Department of Education, and award certificates at graduation. The Department sets minimum requirements with State Board of Education consent, designs the certificate, and supplies it to schools. Eligible fields include at least dance, music, theater, media arts, and visual arts. Requirements may include classwork, community arts involvement, workplace learning, portfolios, and other signs of college and career readiness. The Department can adopt regulations with Board consent. The certificate provides recognition, not a specified payment or financial benefit.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Daniel Cruce
Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

Alonna Berry
Democratic • House
Darius J. Brown
Democratic • Senate
Eric Buckson
Republican • Senate
Nnamdi O. Chukwuocha
Democratic • House
Mara Gorman
Democratic • House
Stephanie L. Hansen
Democratic • Senate
Kerri Evelyn Harris
Democratic • House
Debra Heffernan
Democratic • House
Gerald W. Hocker
Republican • Senate
Kyra L. Hoffner
Democratic • Senate
Russell Huxtable
Democratic • Senate
Kendra Johnson
Democratic • House
Kimberly Williams
Democratic • House
Kamela T Smith
Democratic • House
Dave G. Lawson
Republican • Senate
S. Elizabeth Lockman
Democratic • Senate
Spiros Mantzavinos
Democratic • Senate
Eric Morrison
Democratic • House
DeShanna U Neal
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
Melanie Ross Levin
Democratic • House
Sherae'a Moore
Democratic • House
Ray Seigfried
Democratic • Senate
Claire Snyder-Hall
Democratic • House
David P. Sokola
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 • 5/7/2026

Passed (SM required)

Yes: 35 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/19/2026

Passed (SM required)

Yes: 20 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

Signed by Governor
5/21/2026Governor
Passed By House. Votes: 35 YES 6 ABSENT
5/7/2026House
Reported Out of Committee (Education) in House with 3 Favorable, 13 On Its Merits
4/15/2026House
Assigned to Education Committee in House
3/24/2026House
Passed By Senate. Votes: 20 YES 1 ABSENT
3/19/2026Senate
Reported Out of Committee (Education) in Senate with 7 Favorable
3/18/2026Senate
Introduced and Assigned to Education Committee in Senate
3/17/2026Senate

Bill Text

Current
3/17/2026
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