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SB 284

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 11 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO PROTECTING FIRST RESPONDERS.

153rd General Assembly (2025-2026) Introduced by Eric Buckson and 12 co-sponsors

Delaware SB 284 strengthens legal protections and penalties to deter violence against first responders and safeguard police, fire, and EMS personnel.

Reported Out of Committee (Administration) in House with 1 Favorable, 4 On Its Merits
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Bill Summary · SB 284

Bill Overview

  • Bill: SB 284
  • Session: 153 (Delaware)
  • Jurisdiction: Delaware
  • Title: AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 11 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO PROTECTING FIRST RESPONDERS
  • Introduction/Status: Introduced and assigned to the Judiciary Committee in the Senate on 2026-04-21
  • Sponsors: Co-sponsors — Dave Wilson, Bryan Shupe, Lyndon Yearick, Brian Pettyjohn, Eric Buckson

Purpose and Intent

SB 284 aims to strengthen protections for first responders by amending Title 11 of the Delaware Code. The bill is designed to address safety, accountability, and safeguarding measures relevant to police, fire, EMS personnel, and potentially other first responders within the state. The exact statutory changes are not detailed in the provided information, but the objective is to enhance legal protections and responses affecting first responders in Delaware.

Key Provisions and Changes (as typical for this kind of bill)

Note: Specific text of SB 284 is not provided here. The summary below reflects common components of amendments to protect first responders. If you have access to the bill’s text, I can tailor this with precise provisions.

  • Enhanced Protections for Responders: Provisions may establish or expand criminal penalties for crimes committed against first responders, or provide heightened penalties for offenses occurring when the victim is a first responder performing duties.
  • Duties and Immunities: Possible clarification of duties of first responders and the rights or immunities afforded to them in enforcement or emergency scenarios.
  • Workplace Safety and Liability: Provisions may address workplace safety standards, obligations of public entities, or liability protections related to incidents involving first responders.
  • Evidence and Reporting Requirements: Potential requirements for reporting, documentation, or evidence handling in cases involving threats or violence against first responders.
  • Training and Protocols: Possible mandate for training standards, de-escalation, or protective measures for responders and their agencies.
  • Definitions: Clarification of who counts as a “first responder” under Delaware law (e.g., police, fire, EMS,corrections, and other designated roles).

Affected Parties

  • First Responders: Police, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, and other individuals designated as first responders under Delaware law.
  • Law Enforcement and Public Safety Agencies: State and local agencies responsible for public safety and emergency response.
  • Sellers/Operators of Weapons or Equipment (if applicable): If the bill includes provisions about threats or possession related to first responders, relevant parties could include individuals interacting with weapons or protective equipment in the line of duty.
  • Judicial and Public Safety Systems: Courts, prosecutors, and correctional systems that administer any enhanced penalties or procedures.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Committee Assignment: Judiciary Committee in the Senate (April 21, 2026).
  • Next Steps: The bill would typically move through committee hearings, potential amendments, and then to the full Senate for a vote, followed by consideration in the House of Representatives (if applicable in Delaware’s bicameral process) and ultimately the Governor’s desk for signature or veto.
  • Effective Date: If enacted, the bill would specify an effective date (often a specific date or upon passage) for the new provisions; this detail would be found in the bill text.

Potential Impacts

  • Public Safety Outcomes: Aims to deter violence against first responders and improve their safety and ability to perform duties.
  • Legal Clarity: Provides clearer statutory definitions and penalties related to offenses against first responders.
  • Policy Alignment: Aligns Delaware law with broader state and national emphasis on protecting emergency and public safety personnel.

If you can provide the bill’s text or specific sections, I can deliver a precise, line-by-line summary of provisions, penalties, definitions, and any fiscal impacts.

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

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