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HB 403

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 4 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO OPIOID ANTAGONISTS AND THE SALE OF ALCOHOL.

153rd General Assembly (2025-2026) Introduced by Spiros Mantzavinos and 5 co-sponsors

Expands access to opioid antagonists like naloxone to prevent overdoses while also updating Delaware alcohol sales regulations.

Laid On Table in House
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 403

Summary of HB 403 (Session 153, Delaware)

Purpose and intent

HB 403 amends Title 4 of the Delaware Code to address two related public policy goals:
1) expanding access to opioid antagonists (e.g., naloxone) to prevent overdose deaths, and
2) regulating aspects of alcohol sales. The bill seeks to clarify or modify legal requirements around these areas to improve public health and safety, while aligning with existing state regulations on alcohol commerce.

Key provisions and changes

  • Opioid antagonists:

    • The bill expands or clarifies authorization for administering or dispensing opioid antagonists. It may include provisions allowing certain individuals or entities (e.g., first responders, neighborhood programs, or laypersons in specified settings) to possess, administer, or dispense naloxone or similar drugs.
    • Possible requirements or protections for those who administer antagonists, such as good-faith use protections, liability limitations, or training standards. (Exact text not provided, but typically such bills include immunity or standing orders.)
    • Provisions might address access to antagonist medications in schools, community organizations, or healthcare settings, and may specify dispensing protocols or recordkeeping.

  • Alcohol sale provisions:

    • The bill also makes changes or clarifications to Delaware’s Alcoholic Beverage Control laws. This could involve licensing processes, compliance requirements for sellers, age-verification protocols, or restrictions related to alcohol sales.
    • Potential adjustments to enforcement, penalties, or regulatory oversight for alcohol retailers, and alignment with public health objectives related to alcohol consumption.

Who would be affected

  • Individuals and organizations authorized to administer or dispense opioid antagonists (e.g., medical professionals, pharmacists, trained laypersons in designated settings, and possibly first responders or community programs).
  • Retailers, licensees, and employees involved in the sale or distribution of alcohol, including bars, restaurants, package stores, and other licensees under Delaware’s Alcoholic Beverage Control regime.
  • Public health entities, schools, and community organizations that may participate in overdose prevention or naloxone distribution programs.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and referral: HB 403 was introduced and assigned to the Economic Development/Banking/Insurance & Commerce Committee in the House.
  • Committee action: As of the latest action, the bill has “Not Worked in Committee,” indicating it had not yet moved to a committee vote or advancement from committee.
  • Sponsorship: Co-sponsors include Claire Snyder-Hall, Eric Morrison, and Marie Pinkney, indicating bipartisan or cross-branch support efforts for overdose prevention and alcohol regulation improvements.

Practical impact and considerations

  • Public health: If enacted, broader access to opioid antagonists could reduce overdose fatalities by enabling timely intervention in more settings.
  • Legal risk and protections: Clarified immunity or liability protections for individuals who administer antagonists may encourage action during emergencies.
  • Regulatory environment: Changes to alcohol sales rules could affect compliance burdens for retailers and may influence enforcement priorities or penalties.
  • Implementation: Stakeholders (public health agencies, law enforcement, retailers, healthcare providers) would need to update policies, training, and recordkeeping to align with the new provisions.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to specific sections of the bill once the text is available, or compare it to existing Delaware law on naloxone access and alcohol regulation for a more detailed analysis.

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

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