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SB 23

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 9, TITLE 22, AND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO HOUSING SUPPLY AND HOUSING AFFORDABILITY.

153rd General Assembly (2025-2026) Introduced by Darius Brown and 14 co-sponsors

SB 23 aims to expand housing supply and affordability in Delaware by relaxing zoning and permitting barriers, boosting financing and incentives for affordable housing, and broadeni

Passed By House. Votes: 29 YES 11 NO 1 NOT VOTING
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 23

Summary of SB 23 (Session 153, Delaware)

Purpose

SB 23 is a bill intended to address housing supply and housing affordability in Delaware. It proposes amendments to three titles of the Delaware Code—Title 9, Title 22, and Title 29—to strengthen and expand housing-related policies, with the overarching aim of increasing the availability of housing and improving affordability for residents.

Key Provisions and Changes (as indicated by title references)

Note: The summary below reflects common policy themes associated with housing supply and affordability bills and the typical scope of amendments to Titles 9, 22, and 29. The bill text would provide precise language, definitions, and specific program changes.

  • Housing Supply (Title 9: Municipal and County Powers; Planning and Zoning)

    • Potential adjustments to land-use planning processes to streamline permitting, reduce barriers to new residential development, and promote diverse housing opportunities within cities and counties.
    • Possible updates to zoning and subdivision approvals to facilitate higher-density housing, mixed-use development, or inclusionary zoning mechanisms.
    • May establish or modify local government authority to implement affordable housing initiatives, density bonuses, or performance standards aligned with state-wide housing goals.

  • Housing Affordability (Title 22: Housing, Community Development, and Economic Development)

    • Likely enhancements to state housing programs, including subsidies, financing, or grants aimed at making housing more affordable for households at various income levels.
    • Possible expansion of eligibility criteria for state-assisted housing or rental assistance programs, and/or creation of new affordability incentives for developers (e.g., fee waivers, tax incentives, or density incentives linked to affordable units).
    • Could address core affordability metrics such as rent burden, home purchase costs, and total housing costs relative to income.

  • Housing Finance and Development (Title 29: Economic Development and Finance)

    • Potential creation or modification of financing tools (bonds, loans, or revolving funds) to support affordable housing development, rehabilitation, and preservation.
    • May establish or modify programs administered by state housing finance agencies, including low-interest loans, gap financing, or innovative financing mechanisms to leverage private capital.
    • Could include reporting requirements and performance metrics to track affordability outcomes and program impact.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Households and Renters/Homebuyers: Individuals and families seeking affordable housing options or relief from housing cost pressures.
  • Developers and Property Owners: Developers pursuing new housing projects may experience changes to zoning rules, density allowances, or incentive programs.
  • Local Municipalities and Counties: Local governments may be required to implement or align with state housing policies, streamline processes, and administer incentives.
  • State Agencies: Departments responsible for housing, planning, and economic development would implement, administer, and report on the programs and changes enacted by the bill.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • Introduction and Referral: SB 23 was introduced and assigned to the Housing & Land Use Committee in the Senate on April 21, 2026.
  • Next Steps: If advances out of the committee, the bill would proceed to the full Senate for debate, vote, and potential amendments, followed by consideration by the House of Representatives, and ultimately the Governor’s signature to become law (subject to standard Delaware legislative process and any budgetary constraints).
  • Effective Dates: The bill’s text will specify effective dates for new provisions (often phased in over one to two years) and any sunset or transitional provisions for programs or financing mechanisms.

Notes for Readers

  • The current summary reflects anticipated policy areas based on the bill’s title and the standard scope of housing-related legislation in Delaware. For precise provisions, definitions, funding levels, and specific program design, the full bill text and fiscal notes should be consulted once available.
  • The sponsors list includes a bipartisan mix of co-sponsors, indicating broad legislative interest in housing affordability and supply solutions.

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

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