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SB 293

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 14 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO CHILD CARE LICENSES FOR YOUTH CAMPS.

153rd General Assembly (2025-2026) Introduced by Darius Brown and 21 co-sponsors

Delaware SB 293 would require licensing and standards for youth camps, ensuring safety, staffing, training, health protocols, and oversight.

Passed By Senate. Votes: 19 YES 2 ABSENT
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Bill Summary · SB 293

Summary of SB 293 (Session 153) – Delaware

Bill Overview

  • Title: AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 14 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO CHILD CARE LICENSES FOR YOUTH CAMPS
  • Jurisdiction: Delaware
  • Session: 153
  • Introduced: 2026-04-30
  • Committee: Education Committee (Senate)
  • Sponsors: Mara Gorman; Stell Selby; Kerri Harris; Trey Paradee; Claire Snyder-Hall (co-sponsors)

Purpose and Intent

SB 293 proposes amendments to Delaware’s Title 14 to regulate child care licenses for youth camps. The bill aims to modify regulatory requirements to ensure youth camps meet certain standards for operation, safety, staffing, and oversight, enhancing protection and quality of care for minors attending youth camp programs.

Key Provisions (as introduced)

Note: The exact text of each provision is not provided in the brief action history. The summary reflects typical areas addressed by amendments to child care licenses for youth camps. If enacted, the bill would typically cover:

  • ** Licensing Requirements for Youth Camps:**
    • Establishment or modification of licensing criteria for youth camps operating in Delaware.
    • Definitions for terms such as “youth camp,” “camp counselor,” “staffing ratios,” and related operational standards.
  • Staffing and Training Standards:
    • Minimum staff-to-participant ratios.
    • Required background checks and appropriate training for staff and volunteers.
    • Mandates for ongoing staff development and safety training.
  • Health and Safety Standards:
    • Medical preparedness, first aid/CPR certification requirements.
    • Protocols for illness, injury, medication administration, and emergency responsiveness.
    • Fire safety, sanitation, and facility safety standards.
  • Program and Facility Standards:
    • Standards for program activities, supervision, recordkeeping, and child welfare.
    • Facility requirements (e.g., maintenance, safety features, space per participant).
  • Licensing Process and Oversight:
    • Application procedures, fees, and renewal timelines.
    • Inspections, compliance reviews, and penalties for noncompliance.
    • Complaint intake and investigation procedures.
  • Public Access and Transparency:
    • Requirements for public posting of license status or camp accreditation.
    • Outreach or information-sharing with families and communities.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Youth Camps: Entities operating youth camps in Delaware would be directly impacted by licensing requirements, standards, and oversight provisions.
  • Camp Operators and Staff: Responsible for meeting staffing, training, safety, and recordkeeping obligations.
  • Families and Participants: Indirectly affected through enhanced safety standards, enhanced reporting, and clearer information about camp licensure.
  • Regulatory Agencies: State education-related licensing or child care enforcement bodies would implement inspections, enforcement, and compliance measures.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Committee Assignment: Education Committee in the Senate (as of 2026-04-30).
  • Next Steps: If advanced, the bill would move through committee hearings, potential amendments, and then full Senate and House consideration, followed by signature or veto by the Governor.
  • Effective Date and Transition: Any new licensing requirements would specify effective dates, transition periods for existing camps, and grace periods for compliance (details would be in the enacted bill).

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Safety and Quality: Aimed at standardizing care and safety for youth camps, potentially reducing incidents and improving accountability.
  • Regulatory Burden: May introduce new compliance costs and administrative responsibilities for camps.
  • Accessibility and Compliance Support: Depending on final language, there could be phased timelines or exemptions for small or seasonal camps.

If you would like, I can incorporate the exact text of SB 293 once available, or compare its provisions to current Delaware Title 14 licensing requirements to highlight specific changes.

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

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