This Act requires that meetings of the Public Service Commission be livestreamed virtually and requires that members of the public have the opportunity to comment virtually.
This Act creates a first-time home buyers' savings plan, called the Homeownership Using Savings and Earnings Plan (the HOUSE Plan), to ignite future homeownership in Delaware by helping residents save for their first home. The HOUSE Plan offers a practical solution that encourages financial responsibility and long-term planning by allowing individuals to save and use funds for eligible costs associated with purchasing a home, such as down payments and closing costs, and costs associated with acquiring a rental lease for a primary residence, such as security deposits and payment of the first month of rent. Earnings on amounts held in in a HOUSE Plan account accrue free from Delaware income taxation. This Act sets how much account holders may contribute, both annually and over the lifetime of an account, and specifies annual income caps for eligibility to open an account. Funds must be used within 20 years after the account is opened. This Act also establishes the HOUSE Plan Board to oversee the design, implementation, and preliminary administration of the Plan. This Act makes homeownership more attainable, builds generational wealth, and strengthens communities, without direct state spending.
Maddy summaryThis bill designates June 12, 2026, as "Delaware Lions Clubs Day" to formally recognize the contributions of the Lions Clubs International to local and global communities. It directly affects the Lions Clubs organization by establishing an official state observance date for their activities. The measure is a ceremonial resolution that does not change laws or require funding, serving instead to honor the group's service through a symbolic state declaration.
Maddy summaryThis bill designates June 15, 2026, as "Delaware Elder Abuse Awareness Day" to highlight the issue of elder abuse within the state. It does not create new laws or change any policies but serves as a symbolic gesture to raise public attention on this topic. The resolution was passed by both the House and the Senate without requiring a formal vote count.
This Act removes the cap on the amount of tax a county or municipality can levy on poles, wires, cable and conduit for distribution of telephone communication services. This Act requires a greater than majority vote for passage because § 1 of Article IX of the Delaware Constitution requires the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members elected to each house of the General Assembly to amend a municipal charter, whether directly, by amendment to a specific municipality's charter, or, as in this Act, indirectly, by a general law.
This Act allows municipalities or counties in Delaware to extend alcoholic liquor service hours for bars, restaurants, and clubs from 1:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.
Maddy summaryHB 290 designates June 11 as "Puerto Rico Day" in Delaware for annual commemoration. This ceremonial bill, introduced in January 2026, formally recognizes Puerto Rico's cultural significance through a designated observance. It does not create new laws or regulations but establishes an annual state-level recognition event. The bill directly affects Delaware's state calendar and commemorative practices, with no direct impact on individuals or policies.
This Substitute to House Bill No. 111 prohibits food establishments from providing any single-use food service items unless requested by a customer, requires food establishments to provide options to allow the customer to request such items, prohibits food establishments from inquiring into the reason for a request for single-use food service items, and allows food establishments to maintain self-serve stations at which single-use food service items are available. This Substitute sets forth penalties for third and subsequent violations of this Act, not to exceed a cumulative total of $1,500 per year. This Substitute exempts, for purposes of this Act, nonprofit organizations, schools, early childhood centers, health care facilities, facilities operated by the Department of Children, Youth, and Their Families, and Level IV and Level V Department of Correction facilities from the definition of “food establishment.” The penalty provisions of this Act are effective 2 years after enactment. This Substitute includes language to clarify that “single-use food service items” do not include items used to contain or secure food or beverages that are delivered, picked up, or taken to go from a food establishment, such as cups, boxes, sandwich picks, wrappers, and bags. Also for clarity and to address confusion arising out of House Substitute No. 1 to House Bill No. 111, this Substitute does not include an unchanged subsection of existing code that is unaffected by and does not affect the provisions of this Act.
Maddy summaryThis bill designates May 25, 2026, as "Africa Day" within the State of Delaware. It is a commemorative resolution that does not change laws, allocate funds, or affect daily operations. The measure serves to officially recognize the date in state records without imposing new requirements on individuals or organizations.
This Act provides for the creation of three Deputy Ombudspersons who can assist the Common Interest Community Ombudsperson by serving as the main point of contact in each of the three Counties. These Deputy Ombudspersons will also be permitted to assist with investigations of alleged violations under this Chapter, and will have powers and duties as delegated by the Ombudsperson. Also established is a Common Interest Community Ombudsperson Fund, to be funded by Appropriations made by the General Assembly, Grants and contributions from other sources, and fees collected for various forms of alternative dispute resolution. These funds are to be used to support the infrastructure of the Office, fund the salary of the Deputy Ombudspersons, and various other costs.
