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SB 230

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 9 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO SUBPOENA POWER.

153rd General Assembly (2025-2026) Introduced by Mara Gorman and 12 co-sponsors

SB 230 modifies Delaware subpoena power rules through amended Title 9 procedures, affecting who can compel testimony and document production in legal proceedings.

Passed By House. Votes: 37 YES 4 ABSENT
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Bill Summary · SB 230

Legislative bill overview

SB 230 amends Delaware's Title 9 (concerning court procedures and powers) to modify subpoena authority rules. The bill passed the Senate with a substitute version and an amendment, indicating significant revisions were made during consideration. The specific amendments to subpoena power authority were adopted through Amendment SA 1.

Why is this important

Subpoena power determines who can compel testimony and document production in legal proceedings, affecting access to justice, witness protection, and the balance between different entities' investigative authority. Changes to these rules can impact everything from civil litigation procedures to government agency investigations and workplace disputes.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of authority expansion or limitation – The bill modifies subpoena power rules, but the direction (expanding or restricting who can issue subpoenas) affects stakeholders differently; prosecutors, civil litigants, government agencies, and witnesses may have conflicting interests
  • Procedural fairness concerns – Amendments to subpoena procedures could impact due process protections, witness privacy, or the ability of defendants/respondents to challenge compelled disclosure
  • Fiscal or operational impact – Changes may affect court administration workload, government agency compliance costs, or access to justice depending on how subpoena rules are restructured

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

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