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DelawareSB 306153rd General Assembly (2024–2026)SenateWALLET

AN ACT TO AMEND THE CHARTER OF THE CITY OF REHOBOTH BEACH.

Sponsored By: Russell Huxtable (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

14 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 3 costs, 6 mixed.

Higher ordinance fines, no charter jail

The maximum fine for violating a City ordinance rises from $500 to $2,500. The actual fine depends on the violation and the applicable ordinance. The law also removes authority under this charter provision to punish violations with jail or required work.

New cap on city property taxes

Rehoboth Beach replaces its $3 million limit on total municipal real estate taxes with a value-based cap. The City cannot raise more than 0.1% of the fully assessed value of all real estate, excluding City-owned property. This limits the total tax collected, not each owner's bill. The effect on individual bills depends on property values and the City's tax levy.

Regular reassessments for city property owners

Beginning in 2030, properties covered by the City's assessment process must be reassessed at fair market value. After that, each property must be reassessed at least once every five years. Each five-year period starts when assessments are finalized. Updated values can raise or lower an owner's tax bill; the law does not set individual bill changes.

More leaseholders qualify for water service

Leaseholders qualify as City water or sewer users with a valid Sussex County-recorded lease lasting at least 10 years. They must have built an improvement on the leased land. That improvement no longer needs an assessed value of at least $1,000. The law does not specify lower service charges.

Quarterly assessments cannot charge past taxes

The City prepares and certifies supplemental assessment lists each quarter based on its fiscal year. This replaces the fixed July 1, October 1, January 1, and April 1 certification dates. The City Manager can direct the assessor to prepare these lists under the charter's assessment rules. The City cannot use supplemental assessments to charge taxes for a past period.

City employee pay restrictions are removed

The law removes charter rules requiring Commissioners to set City officers', employees', and agents' pay by ordinance. It also removes restrictions on pay increases during a designated term. The ban on compensation above amounts fixed by Commissioners is removed. The law does not set new pay amounts or guarantee raises.

City's annual personal tax authority ends

The City can no longer levy the personal tax on people otherwise qualified to vote in its annual election. The repealed tax authority allowed a charge of up to $1 per person each year. The law does not establish whether any particular person previously paid this tax.

City can license local railroad services

The City can grant nonexclusive franchises or licenses for railroad services to use public places. This authority applies only to railroads that do not engage in interstate commerce. The law does not create a specific railroad service or household charge.

Commissioner raises delayed; travel allowance ends

Commissioners' annual salaries must be set by ordinance. Raises cannot start before both six months have passed and terms begin for Commissioners elected at the next regular election. Nonresident Commissioners lose the charter's mileage allowance for travel from their permanent homes to City or committee meetings. The law sets no salary amount or replacement travel payment.

Mayor's charter money safeguards are removed

The law removes the Mayor's charter duty to turn over City records and money when leaving office. It also removes the duty to report and pay over fines and other City money each month. The charter's misdemeanor penalties for failing to meet these duties are removed.

Stricter eligibility checks for city commissioners

Commissioner candidates cannot be a serving commissioner's spouse, domestic partner, or cohabitant, or share a financial interest with one. Election candidates must file a sworn eligibility affidavit with their nominating petition before appearing on the ballot. People seeking appointment to a vacancy must file it with the Commissioners before appointment. False statements are punishable by law.

Property assessment choices and appeal rights

The City can use Sussex County assessments, received by the first Monday in March, with appeals under state county-assessment rules. Otherwise, a Delaware-qualified City assessor must complete annual assessments before the first Monday in March. Leaseholders are assessed for improvements under valid Sussex County-recorded leases lasting at least 10 years. Owners and leaseholders can file written City-assessment appeals with the City Manager; the deadline must allow at least 10 days after posting. Commissioners hear timely appeals, and their decisions can be appealed to Sussex County Superior Court within 10 days after the hearing.

Mayor loses court powers, gains marriages

The Mayor no longer has the City's former Justice of the Peace powers. Those powers covered offenses, fines, penalties, and certain civil cases, including some tax and municipal cost collection cases. The Mayor can now perform marriages within Rehoboth Beach. The law does not state a marriage fee.

Property-based voting paths and one-vote limit

Registered voters age 18 or older get one vote, even when they qualify through several paths. They must be freeholders for at least 30 days, leaseholders for at least six months, or bona fide Delaware and City residents on election day. The law recognizes property held as tenants by the entirety for freeholder status. A revocable trust also qualifies when the person is both trustee and grantor or settlor. The City must have the trust document identifying that person in both roles.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Russell Huxtable

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Alonna Berry

    Democratic • House

  • Frank Burns

    Democratic • House

  • Claire Snyder-Hall

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 80 • No: 0

Senate vote • 6/30/2026

Passed (2/3 required)

Yes: 21 • No: 0

House vote • 6/24/2026

Passed (2/3 required)

Yes: 40 • No: 0

Senate vote • 5/21/2026

Passed (2/3 required)

Yes: 19 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor

    8/17/2026Governor

  2. Passed By Senate. Votes: 21 YES

    6/30/2026Senate

  3. Passed By House. Votes: 40 YES 1 ABSENT

    6/24/2026House

  4. Amendment HA 1 to SB 306 - Passed In House by Voice Vote

    6/24/2026House

  5. Amendment HA 1 to SB 306 - Introduced and Placed With Bill

    6/23/2026Senate

  6. Reported Out of Committee (Administration) in House with 3 On Its Merits, 1 Unfavorable

    6/17/2026House

  7. Assigned to Administration Committee in House

    6/4/2026House

  8. Passed By Senate. Votes: 19 YES 2 ABSENT

    5/21/2026Senate

  9. Reported Out of Committee (Elections & Government Affairs) in Senate with 4 On Its Merits

    5/13/2026Senate

  10. Introduced and Assigned to Elections & Government Affairs Committee in Senate

    5/6/2026Senate

Bill Text

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