AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 17 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO ACQUISITION AND SALE OF REAL PROPERTY.

153rd General Assembly (2025-2026) Introduced by Kerri Harris and 6 co-sponsors

The bill would change how Delaware governments acquire and dispose of real property, potentially altering appraisal, bidding, eminent domain, and transparency requirements.

Passed By Senate. Votes: 21 YES

Overview

HB 457 (Session 153, Delaware) seeks to amend Title 17 of the Delaware Code related to the acquisition and sale of real property. The bill was introduced on June 4, 2026, and assigned to the Transportation Committee in the House. It has multiple co-sponsors: Dave Wilson, Kam Smith, Claire Snyder-Hall, Eric Morrison, Josue Ortega, and Marie Pinkney.

Purpose and intent

The primary aim is to modify existing rules or procedures governing how real property is acquired and sold within Delaware.

The exact policy objective is not stated in the provided summary, but the bill’s title indicates a focus on real property acquisition and disposition, potentially impacting processes, standards, or oversight related to public or private real estate transactions.

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

Amendments to Title 17 of the Delaware Code, which typically covers roads, bridges, public works, and related infrastructure and land matters.

Provisions could affect:

Governmental or municipal procedures for acquiring real property for public use (e.g., roads, bridges, utilities).
Requirements for appraisal, bidding, eminent domain, or sale of surplus property.
Procedures, timelines, or oversight mechanisms for land acquisition and disposition.

The exact text would specify new standards, exemptions, or altered processes, including any roles for agencies, counties, or municipalities.

Who is affected

State and local government agencies engaged in acquiring or selling real property.

Public entities responsible for infrastructure projects, transportation planning, or land management under Title 17.

Potentially property owners, developers, and the public, depending on whether the bill introduces new compensation, notification requirements, or public use provisions.

Procedural and timeline considerations

Status: Introduced on 2026-06-04 and assigned to the Transportation Committee in the House.

Next steps typically include committee hearings, possible amendment, and floor votes in the House, followed by consideration in the Senate (if applicable) and eventual enactment or veto.

The bill’s impact would hinge on committee actions, fiscal notes, and any cross-jurisdictional compatibility with existing real property laws.

Potential impacts to watch

If the bill introduces stricter appraisal or bidding requirements, it could affect project timelines and costs.

Changes to eminent domain processes or compensation standards could impact property owners and state/municipal authorities.

New transparency or public notice provisions may affect public participation in property transactions.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary further once the bill text or committee hearing materials are available, highlighting specific sections, definitions, and fiscal implications.