AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 11 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE, WITNESSES AND EVIDENCE.

153rd General Assembly (2025-2026) Introduced by Mara Gorman and 6 co-sponsors

SB 314 aims to overhaul Delaware criminal procedure, witness rules, and evidence standards across multiple provisions to improve handling of trials, testimony, and admissibility.

Reported Out of Committee (Administration) in House with 5 On Its Merits

Overview

SB 314 (Session 153) is a Delaware bill titled “AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 11 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO CRIMINAL PROCEDURE, WITNESSES AND EVIDENCE.” It was introduced on May 11, 2026 and assigned to the Judiciary Committee in the Senate. The bill has several co-sponsors: Mara Gorman, Stell Selby, Nicole Poore, Claire Snyder-Hall, Eric Morrison, Cyndie Romer, and Russ Huxtable.

Purpose and intent

The bill seeks to amend existing provisions within Title 11 of the Delaware Code that govern criminal procedure, the handling of witnesses, and evidence.

While the specific textual changes are not provided in the summary, the title indicates a focus on procedural rules related to how crimes are prosecuted, how witnesses are treated in the judicial process, and the manner in which evidence is admitted and evaluated.

Key provisions and changes (as indicated by the bill’s scope)

Criminal Procedure: Potential adjustments to court processes, trial procedures, or victim/Witness protections within criminal cases. Might address aspects such as pre-trial motions, arraignments, or timing of proceedings.

Witnesses: Possible reforms to witness testimony rules, such as competency, admissibility, subpoena procedures, witness privacy or safety protections, or methods of presenting testimony (live vs. video, for example).

Evidence: Likely changes to the rules governing admissibility, authentication, chain of custody, expert testimony standards, hearsay exceptions, or other evidentiary requirements.

Note: The exact statutory text is not provided in the summary, so the precise substantive changes (quantitative thresholds, specific amendments to statutory sections, or new subparts) cannot be detailed here. The bill’s title signals a comprehensive update across these interconnected areas.

Who would be affected

Individuals involved in criminal prosecutions in Delaware, including defendants, victims, and witnesses.

Law enforcement, prosecutors, and defense attorneys who operate under Delaware’s criminal procedure, evidence, and witness rules.

Court administrators and personnel responsible for implementing procedural changes, file management, and courtroom practices.

Potential impacts on victims’ rights, witness safety, and the efficiency or timing of criminal trials.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduction and Referral: SB 314 was introduced on May 11, 2026, and assigned to the Senate Judiciary Committee for consideration.

Next steps: The bill would undergo committee review, potential amendments, and votes in the Senate before moving to the House (if applicable) and subsequently to the governor for enactment. Timeline depends on committee action and legislative schedule.

Additional notes

Co-sponsors: The measure has broad sponsorship from seven senators, indicating cross-cutting legislative interest in revising criminal procedure, witnesses, and evidence provisions.

As the text of the bill is not provided, readers seeking specifics on which Delaware Code sections are amended or the exact statutory language will need to consult the bill’s text as it progresses through committee and floor action.

If you’d like, I can pull the current text or subsequent committee amendments and provide a line-by-line explanation of the changes once those materials become available.