AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 11 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO RELEASE AND PUBLICATION OF THE NAME AND PHOTOGRAPH OF INDIVIDUALS CHARGED WITH CRIMES OR DELINQUENCY.
What changed between versions
New subsection (c) extends the prohibition on releasing names and photographs from law enforcement to adults, not just juveniles. An adult's name or photo may only be released if the person is suspected of or charged with a felony AND the release is necessary to protect public safety.
The definition of 'name' and 'photograph' was broadened from applying only to juveniles to applying to any individual arrested or suspected of committing a crime or act of delinquency, enabling the new adult protections.
Added formal definitions for 'juvenile' (17 or younger), 'law-enforcement officer,' 'law-enforcement agency,' 'mugshot,' 'publish' (including social media display), 'release,' and 'violent felony.'
For juveniles (subsection b), the threshold remains high: must be charged with a violent felony and release must be necessary for public safety. For adults (subsection c), the threshold is lower: suspected of or charged with any felony (not limited to violent felonies) plus the same public-safety necessity requirement.
Changed from amendment format to full enacted bill text, added co-sponsors (Sen. Hoffner and six additional representatives), and updated the synopsis to reflect the expanded scope.
