Bill
HB 367
Delaware HB 367 aims to clarify and tighten how law enforcement identification is defined, issued, authenticated, used, and regulated to improve accountability and public trust.
HB 367 (Session 153) — Delaware
Summary
This bill proposes amendments to Title 11 of the Delaware Code related to law enforcement identification. It is currently introduced and assigned to the Judiciary Committee in the Delaware House, with multiple sponsors.
Purpose and intent
- The bill aims to modify how law enforcement identification is defined, issued, regulated, or used within Delaware. While the exact textual provisions are not provided here, the title indicates a specific focus on identification related to law enforcement activities, potential standards for identification cards or credentials, verification processes, or limitations on misuse.
- By moving through the Judiciary Committee, the bill seeks to address enforceability, governance, and accountability aspects of law enforcement identification to improve transparency and public trust.
Key provisions (anticipated areas based on title and common legislative practice)
- Definitions: Clarification of what constitutes “law enforcement identification” in Delaware, possibly distinguishing between official badges, credentials, badges with electronic features, or other recognized identifiers.
- Issuance and authentication: Requirements or procedures for issuing IDs to officers, including eligibility, renewal, and verification processes to prevent fraud.
- Use and display: Rules governing when and how an identification credential may be displayed or used, and restrictions on misuse or impersonation.
- Security features: Provisions mandating security elements (e.g., serial numbers, holograms, digital verification) to deter tampering or counterfeit identifiers.
- Privacy and records: Provisions related to the handling, retention, or accessibility of records associated with law enforcement identification, balancing personnel privacy with public transparency.
- Oversight and enforcement: Mechanisms for accountability, potential penalties for misuse, and the role of a state or municipal agency in enforcement and compliance.
- Training and standards: Possible requirements for training related to proper use and recognition of authorized IDs.
Who is affected
- Law enforcement officers and agencies in Delaware that issue or use official identification credentials.
- State and local government bodies responsible for administering law enforcement credentials.
- The general public, who interact with law enforcement and rely on the legitimacy and proper use of identification.
Procedural and timeline aspects
- Introduced on April 16, 2026, and assigned to the House Judiciary Committee.
- As a bill in the early stage of the legislative process, it will undergo committee review, potential amendments, and votes in the House. If approved, it would move to the Senate (or further steps per Delaware’s legislative calendar) for consideration.
- Sponsor slate includes multiple co-sponsors, indicating cross-party or cross-branch interest in the topic.
Notes
- The exact textual provisions and numerical details (e.g., specific standards, timelines for compliance, penalty amounts) are not provided here. For a precise understanding, access to the bill’s full text and any fiscal notes or committee reports would be necessary.
- If you’d like, I can create a version of this summary tailored to a specific audience (e.g., law enforcement, civil liberties groups, or policymakers) or pull in related Delaware statutes for comparison once the full text is available.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
Sign in to ask a question.
