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SB 285

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 7 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO EROSION, SEDIMENTATION CONTROL AND STORMWATER MANAGEMENT.

153rd General Assembly (2025-2026) Introduced by Bill Bush and 1 co-sponsor

SB 285 updates Delaware’s erosion, sedimentation control and stormwater rules, including standards, permits, and enforcement to improve watershed protection.

Reported Out of Committee (Legislative Oversight & Sunset) in Senate with 4 On Its Merits
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Bill Summary · SB 285

Summary of SB 285 (Session 153, Delaware)

Title

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 7 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO EROSION, SEDIMENTATION CONTROL AND STORMWATER MANAGEMENT

Purpose and Intent

SB 285 seeks to modify Delaware’s framework governing erosion, sedimentation control and stormwater management. While the bill’s full text is not provided here, the bill’s placement in the Title 7 chapter on environmental resources and its movement through the Legislative Oversight & Sunset Committee suggest a focus on updating, clarifying, or tightening requirements for erosion and sediment control, stormwater program administration, and related regulatory processes. The bill is introduced by Senator(s) with co-sponsors Kyra Hoffner and Bill Bush and was advanced out of committee for merits review.

Key Provisions and Changes (as typically contemplated in this policy area)

Note: The exact text of SB 285 is not included in the current brief. Based on the bill’s subject matter, potential areas of change could include:
- Updates to erosion and sediment control standards for construction activities.
- Revisions to stormwater management requirements for new developments, redevelopment, or municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s).
- Modifications to permit processes, timelines, or reporting obligations for erosion/sediment control plans.
- Changes to enforcement provisions, penalties, and due process for violations.
- Clarifications of roles and responsibilities among state agencies, local governments, and permittees.
- Updates to coordination with watershed or environmental protection programs.
- Provisions addressing best management practices (BMPs), monitoring, and stormwater quality objectives.

Important: The specific provisions, thresholds (e.g., acreages triggering permit review, design standards, inspection frequencies), and timelines would be detailed in the bill’s text. Readers should refer to the bill’s actual language for precise requirements.

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • Developers, builders, and property owners undertaking land-disturbing activities subject to erosion and sediment control and stormwater requirements.
  • Municipalities and local governments implementing local erosion/sediment control or MS4 stormwater programs.
  • State agencies responsible for environmental regulation and permitting.
  • Environmental stakeholders and the public who rely on stormwater quality and watershed protection.

Potential impacts may include:
- Adjusted permitting timelines or additional documentation requirements for project proponents.
- Enhanced or revised stormwater design and management standards.
- New or amended enforcement mechanisms and penalties.
- Greater clarity or changes in jurisdictional responsibilities among agencies and localities.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced and assigned to the Legislative Oversight & Sunset Committee in the Senate on 2026-04-21.
  • Reported out of the Legislative Oversight & Sunset Committee (with “4 On Its Merits”) on 2026-04-22, indicating the bill passed the committee favorably and is moving toward Senate floor action, subject to calendar scheduling and potential amendments.
  • As a sunset-relevant committee bill, there may be considerations of program evaluation, potential future sunsets or reviews, or alignment with ongoing oversight of erosion/sedimentation and stormwater programs.

Next Steps for Readers

  • Review the full text of SB 285 to understand the exact amendments to Title 7, including any numerical standards (e.g., design criteria, permit thresholds, inspection intervals), new or revised definitions, and specific effective dates.
  • Monitor legislative calendars for floor action, potential amendments, and eventual passage or defeat.
  • Assess how the bill’s provisions would affect ongoing projects, local government programs, and regulatory compliance obligations.

If you can provide the bill’s full text or specific sections, I can produce a more precise, section-by-section summary with exact provisions, dates, and numeric standards.

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

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