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Bill

SB 311

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 3 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO AGRICULTURE.

153rd General Assembly (2025-2026) Introduced by Bill Carson and 3 co-sponsors

SB 311 proposes updating Delaware Title 3 agricultural statutes to modernize definitions, practices, and regulatory requirements affecting farms, agribusinesses, and enforcement.

Passed By House. Votes: 39 YES 1 NO 1 ABSENT
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Bill Summary · SB 311

Overview

SB 311 (Session 153, Delaware) is an agriculture-related bill introduced in the Delaware Senate and assigned to the Agriculture Committee on May 11, 2026. The bill carries multiple co-sponsors: Dave Wilson, Bill Carson, Stell Selby, and Russ Huxtable. The title indicates it amends Title 3 of the Delaware Code concerning agriculture.

Purpose and intent

  • The bill aims to modify existing Delaware agricultural statutes in Title 3. While the full text is not provided here, the typical scope of such amendments includes updates to agricultural practices, labeling, farm operations, animal health and welfare, agricultural marketing, or regulatory processes affecting farmers and agribusinesses.
  • As introduced, the bill’s intent is to refine or expand state-law requirements to address contemporary agricultural needs, public health considerations, environmental stewardship, or market competitiveness within the agricultural sector.

Key provisions and changes (anticipated areas)

Note: Specific textual provisions are not provided in the summary request. Based on common content in Title 3 amendments, potential areas the bill might cover include:

  • Definitions and scope: updates to terms used in agricultural statutes to reflect current practices or technologies.
  • Farm operations and management: changes to licensing, inspections, or compliance for farms and agricultural facilities.
  • Animal health and welfare: modifications to standards, reporting, or treatment requirements for livestock or poultry.
  • Pesticides, fertilizers, and environmental controls: adjusted regulations governing application, storage, labeling, or enforcement.
  • Agricultural marketing and product labeling: requirements for labeling, quality standards, or advertising practices.
  • Economic provisions: provisions affecting subsidies, tax incentives, or grant programs for farms.
  • Compliance and enforcement: revised penalties, enforcement mechanisms, and timelines for rule adoption.

Who is affected

  • Farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses operating under Delaware Title 3 agricultural laws.
  • Agricultural service providers, including veterinarians, agronomists, and input suppliers.
  • Local and state regulatory agencies responsible for enforcement of agricultural statutes.
  • Potential consumers and marketers of Delaware agricultural products, depending on any labeling or marketing provisions.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and referral: SB 311 was introduced and assigned to the Senate Agriculture Committee on May 11, 2026.
  • Next steps likely include committee review, potential amendments, and floor consideration by the Senate, followed by House action if approved.
  • The timeline for enactment will depend on committee hearings, passage by both chambers, and potential signature by the Governor, consistent with Delaware legislative procedures.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Clarity and modernization: If the bill updates definitions or regulatory processes, it could reduce ambiguities and improve compliance for agricultural stakeholders.
  • Regulatory burden: Depending on the specifics, the bill could increase or streamline regulatory requirements for farms and agribusinesses.
  • Public health and environmental protection: Provisions related to pesticides, animal welfare, or environmental controls could affect farm practices and community health.
  • Economic effects: Changes in labeling, marketing, or subsidy programs could influence market access and farm income.

Notes

  • The exact substantive provisions are not included in the provided summary. For a precise understanding, the bill’s text, committee report, and fiscal impact notes should be reviewed once available.
  • Stakeholders may wish to monitor Agriculture Committee hearings for proposed amendments and how SB 311 would interact with existing Title 3 provisions.

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

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