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HB 220

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 10 AND TITLE 11 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE JUVENILE CIVIL CITATION PROGRAM.

153rd General Assembly (2025-2026) Introduced by Bill Bush and 6 co-sponsors

Delaware expands juvenile civil citation program, allowing law enforcement more alternatives to arrest for minor youth offenses to reduce justice system involvement.

Signed by Governor
0
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Bill Summary · HB 220

Legislative bill overview

HB 220 amends Delaware's juvenile civil citation program under Titles 10 and 11 of the Delaware Code. The bill modifies procedures and requirements governing how law enforcement can issue civil citations to juveniles as an alternative to arrest for certain offenses. This represents a refinement of the state's approach to handling minor juvenile offenses outside the criminal justice system.

Why is this important

Juvenile civil citation programs aim to reduce unnecessary arrests and court involvement for young people, which can have long-term consequences for education and employment. By expanding or clarifying citation options, the bill potentially keeps more youth out of the formal justice system for low-level infractions while maintaining public safety accountability. The program's effectiveness directly impacts how Delaware addresses youth behavior and rehabilitation versus punishment.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of eligible offenses: Disagreement may exist over which offenses qualify for citations versus arrests, with some arguing the program is either too lenient or too restrictive
  • Law enforcement discretion: Questions about whether officers have sufficient guidance and training to consistently apply citation criteria fairly across different communities and demographics
  • Accountability and victim considerations: Concerns that civil citations may inadequately address victim needs or fail to ensure juveniles take responsibility compared to formal court processes

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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