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DelawareSS 1 for SB 142 w/ SA 1153rd General Assembly (2024–2026)SenateWALLET

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 11 AND TITLE 14 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO SEXUAL EXTORTION.

Sponsored By: Brian Pettyjohn (Republican)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Harsher penalties for sexual extortion

The law updates Delaware’s sexual extortion crime. It covers forcing someone to do sexual acts or make sexual images by threats. Threats include hurting someone, damaging property, exposing secrets or sexual images, false claims, or other acts that harm a person’s safety, reputation, or relationships. The base penalty is a Class E felony. It becomes a Class B felony if an adult targets a child or a vulnerable adult, or if the victim suffers serious injury or dies.

K-12 lessons on sexual extortion safety

Beginning August 1, 2027, Delaware schools teach pre-K–12 students about body safety, child abuse, and sexual extortion. Staff get evidence-based training that builds each year. Parents get online information, or in-person on request, on how to talk with kids and spot warning signs. Administrators, nurses, or counselors get extra training, including working with police and Title IX when abuse is suspected. State agencies set up these programs and review them at least every three years.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Brian Pettyjohn

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Eric Buckson

    Republican • Senate

  • William Bush

    Democratic • House

  • Daniel B. Short

    Republican • House

  • Krista Griffith

    Democratic • House

  • Stephanie L. Hansen

    Democratic • Senate

  • Jeff Hilovsky

    Republican • House

  • Gerald W. Hocker

    Republican • Senate

  • Kyra L. Hoffner

    Democratic • Senate

  • Kimberly Williams

    Democratic • House

  • Dave G. Lawson

    Republican • Senate

  • Spiros Mantzavinos

    Democratic • Senate

  • Edward S. Osienski

    Democratic • House

  • Nicole Poore

    Democratic • Senate

  • Bryant L. Richardson

    Republican • Senate

  • Melanie Ross Levin

    Democratic • House

  • David L. Wilson

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 57 • No: 0

House vote • 7/1/2025

Passed (SM required)

Yes: 38 • No: 0

Senate vote • 6/12/2025

Passed (SM required)

Yes: 19 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor

    9/19/2025Governor

  2. Passed By House. Votes: 38 YES 2 ABSENT 1 VACANT

    6/30/2025House

  3. Reported Out of Committee (Judiciary) in House with 9 On Its Merits

    6/18/2025House

  4. Assigned to Judiciary Committee in House

    6/12/2025House

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

    6/12/2025Senate

  6. Amendment SA 1 to SS 1 - Passed By Senate. Votes: 18 YES 3 ABSENT

    6/12/2025Senate

  7. Reported Out of Committee (Judiciary) in Senate with 1 Favorable, 3 On Its Merits

    6/11/2025Senate

  8. Amendment SA 1 to SS 1 - Introduced and Placed With Bill

    6/10/2025Senate

  9. Adopted in lieu of the original bill SB 142, and Assigned to Judiciary Committee in Senate

    6/5/2025Senate

Bill Text

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