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SB 297

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 6 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO CONSUMER PROTECTION.

153rd General Assembly (2025-2026) Introduced by Darius Brown and 9 co-sponsors

Delaware SB 297 would strengthen consumer protections by clarifying and expanding prohibitions on unfair or deceptive practices and improving disclosures and enforcement.

Passed By House. Votes: 36 YES 1 NO 4 ABSENT
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Bill Summary · SB 297

Summary of SB 297 (Session 153, Delaware)

Purpose

SB 297 proposes amendments to Title 6 of the Delaware Code to strengthen or modify consumer protection provisions. The bill is aimed at enhancing protections for consumers in the marketplace, with a focus on increasing clarity, accountability, and enforcement related to unfair or deceptive practices, disclosures, and related consumer rights. The act is introduced in the Senate and assigned to the Banking, Business, Insurance & Technology Committee.

Key Provisions (as introduced)

Note: The exact text of SB 297’s provisions is not included in the provided summary. The following outlines reflect typical areas addressed in consumer-protection amendments and what such a bill would generally seek to modify. For precise language, consult the bill’s text.

  • Unfair or Deceptive Practices: Potential enhancements to definitions or enforcement provisions governing unfair or deceptive acts or practices in consumer transactions. This could include broader or clarified prohibitions, expanded business practices under scrutiny, and updated penalties or remedies.
  • Disclosures and Transparency: Possible requirements for clearer disclosures to consumers in certain transactions, including timing, content, and manner of disclosure to reduce confusion and increase informed decision-making.
  • Enforcement and Remedies: Possible modifications to how consumer protection laws are enforced, including the role of state agencies, private rights of action, civil penalties, and injunctive relief. Could establish or adjust timelines for enforcement actions.
  • Industry Scope: Potential inclusion or adjustment of covered entities or activities—such as digital services, financial products, or other consumer-facing sectors—to ensure broad protections across marketplaces.
  • Consumer Rights: Possible codification or expansion of consumer rights, including rights to refunds, cancellations, repairs, or replacements in specified circumstances.
  • Penalties and Sanctions: Potential changes to penalties for violations, including fines, restitution, or attorney’s fees, and any caps or incremental penalties for repeat offenses.
  • Procedural Provisions: Possible requirements for rulemaking, reporting, or compliance timelines, including effective dates for new protections.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Businesses and Sellers: Entities engaged in consumer transactions in Delaware would need to assess compliance with any new or clarified prohibitions, disclosures, and enforcement approaches.
  • Consumers: Delaware residents would gain enhanced protections in relevant transactions, with clearer rights and remedies when encountering unfair or deceptive practices.
  • Enforcement Agencies: State agencies responsible for consumer protection would have updated authorities, procedures, or reporting requirements to enforce the amendments.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • Introduced and Assigned: May 4, 2026, to the Banking, Business, Insurance & Technology Committee in the Senate.
  • Next Steps: The bill would proceed to committee hearings, potential amendments, and ultimately floor votes in the Senate, followed by consideration in the House (if applicable) and potential signature into law. Any new effective dates or phase-in periods would be specified in the final enacted text.

Notes for Readers

  • The summary reflects typical changes associated with consumer-protection amendments in Delaware law. For precise impacts, consult the full bill text, fiscal note (if provided), and committee materials to understand exact language, definitions, enforcement mechanisms, and effective dates.

If you’d like, I can pull the bill’s current text or provide a more detailed analysis once the official bill language is available.

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

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