AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 10 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO INDIVIDUALS EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS.

153rd General Assembly (2025-2026) Introduced by Eric Morrison and 7 co-sponsors

HB 454 aims to clarify and expand Delaware law to protect homeless individuals in civil/criminal processes and improve access to housing and supportive services.

Introduced and Assigned to Housing Committee in House

Summary of HB 454 (Session 153, Delaware)

Purpose and intent

HB 454 proposes amendments to Title 10 of the Delaware Code to address issues related to individuals experiencing homelessness. The bill is intended to clarify, enhance, or expand legal provisions affecting homeless individuals within the civil and criminal justice framework, as well as related services and protections.

Key provisions and changes (as introduced)

The bill’s exact text is not provided here, but the title indicates a focus on:

Legal rights and protections for individuals experiencing homelessness.
Possible adjustments to procedures, eligibility, or administration of services designed to assist homeless residents.
Potential alignment of state law with housing, welfare, or public safety goals to support housing stability and access to resources.

Note: Specific sections, amendments to statutes, dollar amounts, or timelines are not listed in the available summary. The following points reflect typical areas such bills address, but the precise provisions should be verified in the bill’s text:
- Clarification of the status and treatment of individuals without fixed residence in certain civil or criminal processes.
- Provisions related to shelter access, panhandling, loitering, or related public-safety concerns, balanced with protections against discrimination.
- Rules governing coordination between housing authorities, social services, and law enforcement to assist homeless individuals.
- Funding or authorization for programs or services (e.g., rapid re-housing, supportive services, or case management), including potential appropriations or grants.
- Reporting, oversight, or compliance requirements for agencies implementing the bill.

Who would be affected

Individuals experiencing homelessness within Delaware:

Potential changes to how they are treated under state law in civil and criminal contexts.
Access to services, shelters, and supportive programs may be clarified or expanded.

State and local agencies:

Courts, law enforcement, housing authorities, and social service agencies could implement new or modified protocols.
Potential reporting and oversight requirements.

Service providers:

Nonprofit providers and partners delivering housing, health, or supportive services may see new funding streams or statutory requirements.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduction and assignment:

Introduced on June 4, 2026, and assigned to the House Housing Committee.

Sponsors:

Co-sponsors include Sophie Phillips, Dave Sokola, Stell Selby, Bryant Richardson, Madinah Wilson-Anton, Eric Morrison, Josue Ortega, and Cyndie Romer.

Next steps in the legislative process:

The bill would typically move through committee consideration (markup, hearings, amendments) before proceeding to the full House for debate and vote.
If advanced, it would follow the Senate path (if applicable) or return to the House for concurrence, depending on Delaware’s legislative structure for this bill.

Additional remarks

The available information does not provide the bill’s full text, specific statutory amendments, fiscal impact, or implementation timelines. Readers seeking a precise understanding should review the official bill document to identify:

Section-by-section amendments to Title 10.
Effective dates, transitional rules, and any sunset provisions.
Any funding authorizations or fiscal notes.

If you’d like, I can incorporate the exact statutory language and fiscal implications once the bill text is available.