WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 351

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 21 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO VEHICLE SECURITY CIRCUMVENTION DEVICES.

153rd General Assembly (2025-2026) Introduced by Darius Brown and 7 co-sponsors

HB 351 would prohibit manufacturing, sale, or use of devices that bypass vehicle security systems to deter theft and enhance enforcement and penalties.

Passed By Senate. Votes: 21 YES
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 351

Bill Summary – HB 351 (Session 153, Delaware)

Title

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 21 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO VEHICLE SECURITY CIRCUMVENTION DEVICES

Purpose and Intent

HB 351 proposes amendments to Delaware’s vehicle code concerning devices and actions that circumvent security features on motor vehicles. The bill aims to regulate, restrict, or prohibit certain tools or techniques used to bypass vehicle security systems, with the goal of reducing vehicle theft or unauthorized access and enhancing public safety.

Key Provisions and Changes (as introduced)

  • The bill targets “vehicle security circumvention devices.” While the specific statutory language is not provided here, such bills typically:

    • Prohibit the manufacture, sale, or distribution of devices designed to defeat or bypass vehicle security systems (e.g., immobilizers, alarms, computerized access mechanisms).
    • Prohibit use of such devices to gain unauthorized entry or operation of a vehicle.
    • Create definitions for terms like “vehicle security circumvention device” and specify what constitutes prohibited conduct.
    • Establish penalties for violations (fines, potential misdemeanor or felony classifications, depending on the offense and jurisdictional thresholds).
    • Address circumstances involving possession with intent to use such devices, and possibly penalties for trafficking or altering security systems.

  • The bill may also include enforcement provisions, competencies of law enforcement, and coordination with other sections of Title 21 related to traffic offenses, theft, and vehicle safety.

Note: The available information does not include the exact text of the amendments, so the above reflects typical components of similar Delaware legislation dealing with security circumvention devices. The actual sections and precise definitions, penalties, and exceptions would be in the printed bill language.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Individuals and entities that manufacture, distribute, sell, or possess vehicle security circumvention devices.
  • Vehicle owners and operators, insofar as the prohibition or penalties apply to use or possession of such devices in certain contexts.
  • Law enforcement and prosecutors, who would apply the new prohibitions and enforce penalties.
  • Businesses involved in automotive security, locksmiths, and related service providers may be affected by compliance requirements or licensure/recordkeeping provisions.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • Introduced: 2026-04-09.
  • Assigned to: Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee in the House.
  • Next steps (typical): Committee review, potential amendments, a committee vote, and eventual floor consideration by the House, followed by a Senate process if passed.

Practical Impact and Considerations

  • If enacted, HB 351 would clarify and strengthen Delaware’s stance against devices used to defeat vehicle security features, potentially increasing penalties for related offenses.
  • It may influence market practices for automotive security products and require compliance from retailers, distributors, and locksmiths handling such devices.
  • The bill could affect vehicle theft prevention strategies by enhancing deterrence for misuse of circumvention technologies.

If you have access to the exact bill text, I can provide a line-by-line breakdown of the definitions, prohibited acts, exceptions, penalties, and cross-references to other Delaware statutes.

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

Sign in to ask a question.