AN ACT TO AMEND THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO A DIVISION OF ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, AND MARIJUANA ENFORCEMENT.

153rd General Assembly (2025-2026) Introduced by Ed Osienski and 2 co-sponsors

HB 411 renames the Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement to the Division of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Marijuana Enforcement (DATME), expanding scope and branding with at least $5

Reported Out of Committee (Executive) in Senate with 6 On Its Merits

Purpose and intent

HB 411 seeks to amend the Delaware Code to rename the state Division responsible for enforcing laws related to alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana. Specifically, it renames the Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement (DATE) to the Division of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Marijuana Enforcement (DATME).

The act becomes effective upon the Governor’s signature.

Key provisions

Name change: DATE would be renamed to DATME, expanding the division’s scope and branding to explicitly include marijuana enforcement.

Branding and branding-related updates: To reflect the new name, the Division would require changes to agency branding, including uniforms, vehicles, signage, and related materials.

One-time implementation costs: The Department of Safety and Homeland Security (DSHS) expects one-time costs estimated at no less than $56,700. Estimated breakdown (one-time) includes:

Vehicle wraps and design: $15,000
Interior signage: $10,000
Uniform and attire updates: $10,000
New badges: $18,000
New patches: $3,700

Funding source: The one-time costs are anticipated to be funded by Marijuana Regulation Fund (MRF) revenues, described as an appropriated special fund.

Future costs: The fiscal note notes that additional costs related to technology upgrades, electronic systems, website changes, and other administrative updates are not yet identified and are indeterminable at this time.

Affected entities and impact

Delaware Division: The Division currently known as the Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement would continue to operate, but under the new name DATME, signaling inclusion of marijuana enforcement.

Agencies and personnel: Branding and equipment updates would affect vehicles, uniforms, badges, patches, interior signage, and related materials for DATME.

Revenues: Funding for the one-time changes would be drawn from the Marijuana Regulation Fund.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Effective date: Upon the Governor’s signature (no specific date provided in the fiscal note).

Legislative action to date:

Introduced and assigned to the Administration Committee in the House (May 7, 2026).
Reported out of Committee (Administration) in the House with 5 on its merits (May 13, 2026).

Fiscal note: Prepared by the Office of the Controller General, detailing one-time cost estimates and funding sources; notes potential additional costs for technology and administrative updates that are not yet determined.

Summary

HB 411 proposes a straightforward branding and scope expansion for Delaware’s enforcement division by renaming DATE to DATME to explicitly include marijuana enforcement. It outlines one-time implementation costs of at least $56,700 funded from the Marijuana Regulation Fund and notes potential additional, undetermined costs for technology and administrative updates. The act would take effect once signed by the Governor.