This Act is a result of the Joint Legislative Oversight and Sunset Committee's focused review of the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services' (DDDS) adult day and employment services. This Act requires that DDDS submit an annual report relating to its services to increase the transparency of the services and highlight unmet needs for efficient service delivery. In § 7909A(c)(2)a. of Title 29, DDDS will provide data on census, new applications, demographics of those groups, and the size and diversity of the provider system. Section 7909A(c)(2)b. allows DDDS to demonstrate that its services, and how the services are accessed, change over time. Section 7909A(c)(2)c. gives DDDS the flexibility to provide information on service requests that could not be met, why service requests could not be met, and observed gaps in service delivery, or other information related to challenges DDDS identifies related to the service system. This Act also makes technical changes to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual.
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According to the Arts Education Partnership, 27 states currently include arts course credits as a requirement for high school graduation, and several states have implemented diploma seals or similar recognition programs to incentivize participation. This Act directs the Department of Education to establish the Delaware Certificate of Arts Excellence to recognize high school students who demonstrate sustained engagement and achievement in the arts. Establishing a similar program in Delaware could help increase arts enrollment, elevate the value of arts education, and support students interested in pursuing creative professions.
This Act mandates that all current and prospective employees or contractors of the Office of Auditor of Accounts submit to state and federal criminal background checks.
This Act changes the name of the Joint Legislative Oversight and Sunset Committee to "the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee." When the Committee was first codified in 1980, it was named the "the Joint Sunset Committee." In 2016, the Committee voted to change its name to "the Joint Legislative Oversight and Sunset Committee." The Committee had "sunsetted" only 2 reviewed entities up to that point. Because "sunsetting" was only one of the Committee's many functions and used the function rarely, its name had grown confusing to the public. Adding "Legislative Oversight" more fully represented the Committee's purpose. Over the last 7 years, the Committee has reviewed 40 entities and "sunsetted" only 6 of them. In January 2026, the Committee voted to update its name to more accurately reflect its evolved purpose. Like most similar committees in other states, Delaware's committee has significantly downsized its focus on the "sunsetting" process in favor of conducting oversight and performance evaluation. This Act does not eliminate or lessen the Committee's authority to "sunset" an entity when a review demonstrates that doing so is the best outcome, and this Act does not amend the Committee's overall authority, focus, or purpose. This Act also makes a technical correction to the title of Chapter 102, Title 29.
This Act requires public schools serving grades 7 to 12 that issue pupil identification cards to print on either side of the card the following information, which previously was optional for the public schools: (1) Teen Dating Violence Hotline:1-866-331-9474 or Text “loveis” to 22522. (2) Stop Bullying Now Hotline: 1-800-273-8255(TALK). Sections 1 and 2 of this Act remove application dates from the previous enactments of laws related to information printed on pupil identification cards for public schools serving grades 7 to 12 and on student identification cards for public institutions of higher learning. These application dates could be interpreted to mean that the previous enactments of these laws were to be effective only during the stated school years. By removing these application dates and establishing the effective date in Section 5 of this Act, these laws will be effective on July 1, 2026. This Act also makes technical corrections in Sections 3 and 4 of this Act to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual.
Maddy summaryThis bill formally designates May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month within the state. It is a symbolic measure that does not create new laws, allocate funding, or change existing regulations. The resolution serves to highlight the importance of mental health awareness during that specific month.
This Senate Concurrent Resolution designates May 10-16, 2026, as "Charter Schools Week" in the State of Delaware and commends Delaware's public charter schools for their efforts in educating Delaware students.
This Act temporarily addresses Delaware's childcare crisis by gradually increasing Purchase of Care eligibility from 200% to 275% FPL over 5 years starting July 1, 2026, reducing benefit cliffs and supporting moderate-income families. It includes a sunset clause expiring June 30, 2031, to allow evaluation and ensure fiscal sustainability, with annual reporting on impacts.
This bill clarifies that counties and municipalities can deposit their revenues in any depository bank or credit union. The State of Delaware already can choose where it deposits its money, and this legislation would extend that ability to counties and municipalities.
Maddy summaryHB 219 designates "Diwali Day" as an annual ceremonial observance in Delaware, to be commemorated appropriately each year. This bill formally recognizes Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, as a day of cultural significance within the state's official calendar. It does not create new laws, alter regulations, or affect specific groups or programs - it solely adds a symbolic day to Delaware's recognized observances.