AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 26 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO ELIGIBLE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CARRIERS FOR LIFELINE SERVICES.

153rd General Assembly (2025-2026) Introduced by Russ Huxtable and 4 co-sponsors

Delaware SB 307 updates the criteria and process for designating Lifeline-eligible telecommunications carriers to ensure compliance with federal standards and continued subsidies.

Passed By House. Votes: 41 YES

Bill Overview

Bill: SB 307

Session: Delaware General Assembly, 153rd

Committee: Environment, Energy & Transportation (Senate)

Introduced: May 6, 2026

Sponsors: Dave Wilson (primary sponsor); co-sponsors Claire Snyder-Hall, Eric Morrison, Cyndie Romer, Russ Huxtable

Jurisdiction: Delaware

Title: AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 26 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO ELIGIBLE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CARRIERS FOR LIFELINE SERVICES

Purpose and Intent

SB 307 seeks to amend Delaware’s Title 26 to modify the qualifications or designation criteria for Eligible Telecommunications Carriers (ETCs) that participate in Lifeline services. Lifeline is a federal-state program designed to provide discounted telecommunications services to low-income consumers. The bill’s intent appears to be clarifying or updating state law to align with program goals, ensure appropriate eligibility, or adjust the list of carriers that may receive Lifeline support in Delaware.

Key Provisions (as implied by the bill’s title)

Note: The bill’s full text would provide precise language; the summary below reflects the typical scope of such amendments.

Amend Title 26 (Delaware Code) to revise the criteria or process for designating ETCs.

Define or adjust qualifications for Lifeline-eligible carriers operating in Delaware (e.g., minimum service offerings, coverage requirements, or reliability benchmarks).

Establish or modify procedures for designating new ETCs and removing ETC status from carriers (renewals, compliance checks, reporting).

Align state policy with federal Lifeline program requirements to ensure continued eligibility for federal subsidies.

Possibly set administrative rules, oversight mechanisms, or reporting obligations for ETCs in relation to Lifeline service delivery.

Affected Parties

Telecommunications providers seeking Lifeline ETC designation in Delaware.

Current Lifeline-eligible carriers operating within Delaware.

Eligible low-income consumers who rely on Lifeline services (indirectly affected by any changes in service availability, pricing, or carrier participation).

State regulatory and public utilities oversight bodies, which would administer or audit ETC compliance under the amended framework.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Status: Introduced and assigned to the Environment, Energy & Transportation Committee in the Senate on May 6, 2026.

Next steps typically include committee hearings, potential amendments, and floor consideration by the Senate, followed by consideration in the House of Representatives (if applicable) and potential gubernatorial action.

Amendments to Title 26 may involve stakeholder input from carriers, consumer advocates, and state agencies.

Potential Impacts

If the bill broadens ETC eligibility or simplifies designation, more carriers might participate in Lifeline, potentially increasing service options for low-income households.

If the bill tightens qualifications, it could reduce the number of participating carriers or add stricter compliance requirements.

Improved alignment with federal Lifeline standards could ensure continued receipt of federal subsidies and program stability.

Any changes in provider eligibility or oversight could influence pricing, service quality, and coverage in rural or underserved areas.

Bill