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HB 218

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 10 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO INTERPERSONAL AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE IN THE MILITARY.

153rd General Assembly (2025-2026) Introduced by Nnamdi Chukwuocha and 5 co-sponsors

Delaware bill amends criminal law to strengthen protections against sexual violence and interpersonal abuse involving military personnel.

Passed By Senate. Votes: 20 YES 1 ABSENT
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Bill Summary · HB 218

Legislative bill overview

HB 218 would amend Delaware's Title 10 criminal code to address interpersonal and sexual violence specifically within military contexts. The bill was recently introduced and referred to the House Judiciary Committee, but specific provisions have not yet been detailed in public filings. Without access to the full text, the exact scope of changes—whether creating new offenses, enhancing penalties, improving victim protections, or establishing reporting mechanisms—remains unclear.

Why is this important

Sexual assault and interpersonal violence in military settings have been persistent policy concerns at both federal and state levels, with implications for service member safety, retention, and trust in command structures. Delaware's approach could serve as a model for other states and may complement or address gaps in federal military justice systems. Effective state-level legislation can provide additional protections and accountability mechanisms for victims.

Potential points of contention

  • Jurisdiction and overlap: Questions about how state law interacts with federal military justice systems and whether state prosecution of military personnel creates conflicts with the Uniform Code of Military Justice
  • Definition and scope: Disagreement over what conduct constitutes "interpersonal and sexual violence" and whether the bill adequately covers all relevant scenarios or is too broad
  • Victim support and reporting: Debate over whether provisions sufficiently protect victim confidentiality, prevent retaliation, and encourage reporting without creating undue burdens on command structures

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

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