SB 118 Delaware Senate · 153rd General Assembly (2025-2026)

AN ACT TO AMEND CHAPTER 472, VOLUME 83 OF THE LAWS OF DELAWARE RELATING TO CIVIL ACTIONS FOR TORTIOUS INJURIES, INCLUDING DEATH, TO LAWFULLY OWNED PETS.

Summary

In the 151st General Assembly, SS1 to SB 258 was passed, which permitted pet owners to pursue compensatory damages without limitation for veterinary bills incurred to care for a pet that was injured by the negligence, reckless, or intentional acts of another individual or that individual's pet. This act removes a sunset provision that would have these changes expire on October 14, 2025.

Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared

Introduction

May 2025

Committee Review

Jun 2025

Senate Passage

Jun 2025

House Passage

Jun 2025

Signed into Law

Aug 2025

Introduced May 1, 2025 Signed Aug 20, 2025

Floor votes · House Jun 30, 2025

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Aug 20, 2025

Signed into law

Signed by Governor

executive

Jun 30, 2025

Lower · Passed

Passed By House. Votes: 37 YES 3 ABSENT 1 VACANT

lower

Jun 24, 2025

Lower · Passed

Reported Out of Committee (Judiciary) in House with 10 On Its Merits

lower

Jun 11, 2025

Introduced

Assigned to Judiciary Committee in House

lower

Jun 10, 2025

Upper · Passed

Passed By Senate. Votes: 18 YES 3 ABSENT

upper

May 14, 2025

Upper · Passed

Reported Out of Committee (Judiciary) in Senate with 4 On Its Merits

upper

May 1, 2025

Introduced

Introduced and Assigned to Judiciary Committee in Senate

upper

4 primary · 0 co-sponsors