AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 15 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE DELAWARE JOHN LEWIS VOTING RIGHTS ACT.

153rd General Assembly (2025-2026) Introduced by Darius Brown and 20 co-sponsors

The bill strengthens Delaware voting rights protections and election accessibility under the Delaware John Lewis Voting Rights Act.

Passed By Senate. Votes: 21 YES

Bill Overview

HB 444 (Session 153, Delaware) is an act to amend Title 15 of the Delaware Code to address matters related to the Delaware John Lewis Voting Rights Act. The bill was introduced and assigned to the Elections & Government Affairs Committee in the House on June 4, 2026. A group of nine co-sponsors from both chambers/backing committees is listed.

Primary Purpose and Intent

The bill seeks to modify or strengthen provisions of Delaware’s voting rights framework under the Delaware John Lewis Voting Rights Act.

Its overarching aim is to enhance protections, accessibility, and integrity of the voting process in Delaware, aligning with the principles of voting rights and equal access to elections.

Key Provisions and Changes (as authorized by the bill)

While the exact textual provisions are not provided in the summary, the act would amend Title 15 to implement changes related to:

Voting rights protections
Procedures or standards governing elections
Potentially enhanced remedies or enforcement mechanisms for violations of voting rights
Clarifications or updates to election administration relevant to the John Lewis Voting Rights Act

The bill may address safeguards against discrimination in voting, accessibility accommodations, or transparency requirements for election-related processes.

It could introduce new procedural timelines, reporting requirements, or compliance duties for election authorities, local governments, or other relevant entities.

Who Would Be Affected

Voters in Delaware, particularly groups protected under voting rights laws (e.g., minority communities, individuals facing barriers to voting, voters with disabilities), may gain enhanced protections or clearer avenues for enforcement.

Election officials, local election jurisdictions, and state agencies involved in administering elections would be subject to updated requirements and procedures.

Political subdivisions and organizations involved in election administration and accessibility initiatives may need to adjust practices to comply with the amended statute.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Status: Introduced and assigned to the Elections & Government Affairs Committee in the House on 2026-06-04.

Next steps typically involve committee hearings, potential amendments, and eventual floor consideration in the House, followed by Senate consideration if passed.

The bill’s timeline for implementation (effective dates, phased compliance, or rulemaking) would be specified in the final enacted text.

Notable Context

The bill is part of a broader set of reforms under the Delaware John Lewis Voting Rights Act, indicating a focus on strengthening voting rights protections and ensuring equitable access to the electoral process.

As with many voting rights measures, potential impacts include clarity for election administrators, improved accessibility for voters, and enhanced legal remedies in cases of violations.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to include any available text from the bill, such as specific sections, definitions, or highlighted amendments, once those are provided.