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HB 391

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 7 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECT FUND.

153rd General Assembly (2025-2026) Introduced by Larry Lambert and 6 co-sponsors

Delaware HB 391 aims to refine how the Community Environmental Project Fund is administered, funded, and reported to ensure clearer oversight and measurable environmental benefits.

Signed by Governor
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Bill Summary · HB 391

Summary of HB 391 (Session 153, Delaware)

Title

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 7 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECT FUND.

Purpose and Intent

HB 391 proposes amendments to the Delaware Code governing the Community Environmental Project Fund (CEPF). The CEPF is a state mechanism intended to support projects that improve the environment, public health, and quality of life through mitigation, restoration, and conservation efforts. The bill aims to modify existing provisions to clarify administration, eligibility, funding, or oversight of CEPF-supported activities. The exact legislative language would specify the precise changes to statutory text, but the overarching goal is to refine how CEPF programs operate within the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (or the relevant state agency) and how funds are allocated and tracked.

Key Provisions and Changes (as typically included in CEPF-related amendments)

Note: The summary below reflects common structural components of CEPF amendments. The precise sections of HB 391 should be consulted for exact language.

  • Administration and Oversight

    • Clarification of which state department or authorities administer the CEPF.
    • Roles and responsibilities for program management, reporting, and accountability.

  • Funding Allocation and Uses

    • Specification of eligible projects and activities that may receive CEPF funding (e.g., environmental restoration, conservation, pollution mitigation, habitat restoration, tree planting, watershed improvement).
    • Possible updates to funding distribution formulas, caps, or matching requirements.
    • Provisions to ensure funds are used for measurable environmental benefits and for projects with community impact.

  • Eligibility and Application Process

    • Criteria for eligible applicants (municipalities, non-profits, educational institutions, local governments, etc.).
    • Application deadlines, review criteria, scoring process, and grant agreement requirements.
    • Revisions to reporting and auditing requirements for grant recipients.

  • Reporting, Transparency, and Accountability

    • Enhanced reporting requirements to demonstrate environmental and public health outcomes.
    • Public reporting provisions, annual or periodic fund status reports, and potential audits.

  • Program Duration and Sunset/Review

    • Timeframes for program evaluation, renewal, or sunset provisions to reassess CEPF effectiveness and need.

  • Miscellaneous Provisions

    • Technical corrections, definitional updates, or cross-references to other environmental program statutes.
    • Compliance with other state environmental laws and procurement rules.

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • State Government and Agencies

    • Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (or the agency designated by the bill) would implement and oversee CEPF changes.
    • Potential changes to budgetary processes and internal controls related to CEPF expenditures.

  • Local Governments and Organizations

    • Municipalities, county governments, non-profit environmental organizations, educational institutions, and community groups seeking CEPF grants.
    • Applicants may face revised eligibility criteria, application procedures, and reporting obligations.

  • Community and Environmental Impacts

    • Enhanced environmental projects funded by CEPF, leading to improved water quality, habitat restoration, flood mitigation, or urban greening, depending on funded initiatives.
    • Increased transparency and accountability in how environmental mitigation funds are used.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Current Action (as of 2026-04-30)

    • Introduced and assigned to the Natural Resources & Energy Committee in the House.
    • Co-sponsors: Larry Lambert; Bryant Richardson; Nicole Poore; Claire Snyder-Hall; Eric Morrison; Melanie Ross Levin.

  • Next Steps

    • Committee review, potential amendments, and a committee vote.
    • If approved, the bill would proceed to the House floor for debate and vote, followed by potential passage to the Senate for consideration.
    • Possible effective date and implementation timeline would be specified in the final enacted bill.

Notes

  • This summary reflects the bill’s stated focus on amending the Community Environmental Project Fund under Title 7 of the Delaware Code. For precise language, definitions, and the exact statutory changes, the bill’s text as introduced and any subsequent amendments should be consulted.

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

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