Delaware bills · 153rd General Assembly (2025-2026)
Delaware HB 131
AN ACT TO AMEND TITLES 6 AND 16 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO PET STORES AND ANIMAL WELFARE.
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became law
Sponsors
- Laura V. Sturgeon (Democratic)
- Nicole Poore (Democratic)
- Stell Parker Selby
- Sarah McBride
- Mara Gorman (Democratic)
- Spiros Mantzavinos (Democratic)
- Melanie Ross Levin (Democratic)
- Claire Snyder-Hall (Democratic)
- Eric Morrison (Democratic)
- John "Jack" Walsh (Democratic)
- Marie Pinkney (Democratic)
- Kimberly Williams (Democratic)
Summary
Official abstract published by the Delaware legislature· synopsis
This Act fosters the humane treatment of animals and prevents animal cruelty by prohibiting retail pet stores from selling dogs or cats. It further authorizes retail pet stores to collaborate with animal shelters and animal rescue organizations to offer space to showcase dogs or cats for adoption. The Office of Animal Welfare will be responsible for enforcing this Act. Retailers will receive a civil penalty of no more than $500 for each prohibited sale.
This Act takes effect 6 months after its enactment into law.
Text versions
Roll-call votes
State vote data last updated Oct 15, 2026, 8:06 AM.
| Date | Vote | Result | Your legislators |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 18, 2026 House | SM | pass | Set your home in Delaware to see |
| Jun 16, 2026 Senate | SM | pass | Set your home in Delaware to see |
| Jan 20, 2026 House | SM | pass | Set your home in Delaware to see |
Actions
- Jul 23, 2026
Signed by Governor - Jun 18, 2026 · House
Passed By House. Votes: 41 YES - Jun 16, 2026 · Senate
Passed By Senate. Votes: 15 YES 6 NO - Jun 16, 2026 · Senate
Amendment SA 1 to HB 131 - Passed By Senate. Votes: 15 YES 5 NO 1 ABSENT - May 13, 2026 · House
Amendment SA 1 to HB 131 - Introduced and Placed With Bill - May 13, 2026 · Senate
Reported Out of Committee (Health & Social Services) in Senate with 1 Favorable, 4 On Its Merits - Jan 20, 2026 · Senate
Assigned to Health & Social Services Committee in Senate - Jan 20, 2026 · House
Passed By House. Votes: 33 YES 4 NO 1 NOT VOTING 3 ABSENT - May 14, 2025 · House
Reported Out of Committee (Health & Human Development) in House with 6 Favorable, 5 On Its Merits - May 1, 2025 · House
Introduced and Assigned to Health & Human Development Committee in House