TO AMEND THE RIGHT TO READ ACT; AND TO AMEND THE AMOUNT OF THE LITERACY TUTORING GRANT AWARDED UNDER THE RIGHT TO READ ACT.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Rebecca Burkes and 1 co-sponsor

Senate Bill 206 extends New Castle County's property tax payment deadline to December 31, 2025, giving taxpayers more time to pay without penalties due to invoice delays.

Notification that SB206 is now Act 195

Summary of Senate Bill 206

Bill Number: SB 206
Title: An Act to Amend Chapter 135 of Volume 85 of the Laws of Delaware Relating to the Deadline for Payment of Property Tax Bills for the 2025-2026 Tax Year
Status: Reported Out of Committee (Administration) in House with 1 Favorable, 3 On Its Merits
Introduced: November 04, 2025
Sponsors:
- Sen. John "Jack" Walsh
- Sen. David P. Sokola
- Sen. Bryan Townsend
- Sen. Trey Paradee
- Rep. Kerri Evelyn Harris
- Rep. Edward S. Osienski
- Rep. Josue O Ortega
- Rep. Brian Pettyjohn
- Rep. Russell Huxtable

Purpose and Intent

Senate Bill 206 aims to extend the deadline for property tax payments in New Castle County for the 2025-2026 tax year. This extension is necessary due to delays in the delivery of property tax invoices caused by unforeseen litigation, ensuring that taxpayers have adequate time to review and pay their tax bills without facing penalties.

Key Provisions

Deadline Extension: The bill changes the payment deadline for property tax bills from November 30, 2025, to December 31, 2025.

Adjustment of Tax Bills: New Castle County will issue supplemental tax bills based on new local school tax rates, ensuring that taxpayers receive accurate and updated invoices.

Legal Context: The need for this extension arises from expedited litigation (Newark Property Association, et al. v. State of Delaware, et al.) that affected the timely delivery of tax invoices.

Impact

Taxpayers in New Castle County: The primary beneficiaries of this bill are property owners in New Castle County, who will have additional time to review and pay their property taxes without incurring penalties or interest.

Local Government: New Castle County will be responsible for adjusting tax bills and ensuring that the new rates are communicated effectively to taxpayers.

Procedural Timeline

November 4, 2025: Bill introduced and laid on the table in the Senate.

November 6, 2025:

Bill passed by the Senate with a vote of 21 in favor.
Assigned to the Administration Committee in the House.
Rules suspended for further consideration.
Lifted from the table for discussion.

November 7, 2025: Reported out of the Administration Committee in the House with 1 favorable vote and 3 on its merits.

Conclusion

Senate Bill 206 represents a legislative effort to provide relief to property taxpayers in New Castle County by extending the payment deadline for the 2025-2026 tax year. This extension is crucial for ensuring that taxpayers can meet their obligations without facing undue penalties due to delays in receiving their tax bills.