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HB 89

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLES 19 AND 29 RELATING TO HOME IMPROVEMENT DISPUTE RESOLUTION.

153rd General Assembly (2025-2026) Introduced by Bill Bush and 16 co-sponsors

Delaware amends consumer protection law to establish home improvement dispute resolution procedures, balancing contractor accountability with consumer complaint processes through committee-approved reforms.

Passed By Senate. Votes: 21 YES
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Bill Summary · HB 89

Legislative bill overview

HB 89 amends Delaware's Title 19 (Consumer Protection) and Title 29 (General Corporate Law) to establish or modify dispute resolution procedures for home improvement contracts and complaints. The bill received favorable committee reports from the Judiciary Committee and is currently in the Appropriations Committee with a pending amendment.

Why is this important

Home improvement disputes are a common source of consumer complaints involving significant financial stakes. Clear dispute resolution mechanisms protect homeowners from fraud and contractor misconduct while providing contractors with predictable legal frameworks, potentially reducing costly litigation.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope and enforceability: Unclear whether dispute resolution is mandatory arbitration, mediation, or a prerequisite to litigation—each approach has different implications for consumer access to courts
  • Cost allocation: Questions about who bears dispute resolution costs (filing fees, mediator/arbitrator compensation) could disproportionately affect consumers with limited budgets
  • Contractor licensing requirements: Changes may impose new licensing, bonding, or registration obligations that small contractors argue are burdensome versus consumer protections that advocates defend as necessary

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

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