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HB 417

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 30 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO RESTAURANT RETAILER LICENSE REQUIREMENTS AND LICENSE FEES.

153rd General Assembly (2025-2026) Introduced by Danny Short and 2 co-sponsors

HB 417 amends Delaware restaurant retailer license requirements and fees, changing eligibility, renewal rules, and likely introducing tiered or updated fee structures.

Reported Out of Committee (Appropriations) in House with 6 On Its Merits
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Bill Summary · HB 417

Bill Overview

  • Bill: HB 417
  • Session: 153
  • Jurisdiction: Delaware
  • Title: AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 30 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO RESTAURANT RETAILER LICENSE REQUIREMENTS AND LICENSE FEES
  • Action History: Introduced and assigned to Revenue & Finance Committee in the House (2026-05-12)
  • Sponsors: Co-sponsors Jack Walsh and Kim Williams

Purpose and Intent

HB 417 proposes changes to Delaware’s tax and business licensing framework as it relates to restaurant retailers. The bill aims to modify the requirements for obtaining a restaurant retailer license and adjust the license fee structure. While the specific text of the amendments is not provided here, the general intent appears to be reforming how restaurant retailers comply with licensing and how much they pay for licensure.

Key Provisions (as Typically Associated with This Type of Bill)

Note: The precise statutory language is not included in the summary provided. The following points reflect common elements such bills address and would likely be examined in the committee and subsequent floor debate:

  • License Requirements:

    • Revision of what constitutes a valid restaurant retailer license.
    • Potential changes to eligibility criteria, reporting requirements, or compliance thresholds for restaurant retailers.
    • Possible alignment or modernization of licensing standards with other food service or retail provisions in Title 30.
  • License Fees:

    • Adjustment of current license fees for restaurant retailers.
    • Introduction of tiered fee structures based on factors such as capacity, revenue, location, or type of establishment.
    • Modifications to fee collection timing (e.g., annual, biennial) and renewal processes.
  • Administrative Changes:

    • Changes to who administers the license (state agency) and associated administrative procedures.
    • Clarifications on enforcement, penalties for non-compliance, and appeal rights.
  • Effective Date:

    • The bill would specify when the amended provisions take effect (retroactive, date-specific, or upon passage).

Affected Parties

  • Restaurant Retailers: Businesses that require a Delaware restaurant retailer license would be directly impacted by changes to qualification standards and fees.
  • State Licensing/Tax Authorities: The agency responsible for administering restaurant retailer licenses would implement new requirements and collect revised fees.
  • General Public/Consumers: Indirectly affected through potential changes in licensing costs passed through to consumers and any impacts on oversight of food-service establishments.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • Committee Referral: Revenue & Finance Committee (House) is the assigned committee, indicating a focus on fiscal implications, licensing revenue, and financial administration.
  • Next Steps in Process: If advanced by the committee, the bill would proceed to the House floor for debate and voting, followed by potential consideration in the Senate, and eventual governor action.
  • Effective Date: Determined by the bill’s text; typical Delaware bills specify an effective date upon enactment or a specified future date.

Potential Impacts and Implications

  • Fiscal Impact: Changes to license fees could alter revenue for the state’s licensing program and may affect small vs. large restaurant retailers differently depending on the fee structure.
  • Business Compliance: Updates to requirements could affect the administrative burden on restaurant retailers, including documentation, renewals, and compliance monitoring.
  • Market Competitiveness: Fee adjustments could influence operating costs for Delaware-based eateries, with potential competitive implications for new entrants and existing businesses.

If you have access to the full bill text, I can provide a more precise analysis of the exact statutory changes, fee schedules, and implementation details.

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

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