Delaware bills · 153rd General Assembly (2025-2026)
Delaware SB 259
AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 9 AND TITLE 22 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS.
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became law
Sponsors
- David L. Wilson (Republican)
- John "Jack" Walsh (Democratic)
- Franklin D. Cooke (Democratic)
- Nicole Poore (Democratic)
Summary
Official abstract published by the Delaware legislature· synopsis
This Act proposes modifications to the in-building regulations regarding bi-directional amplifiers (BDAs). Currently, buildings that are modified or renovated to exceed 25,000 square feet are not required to meet the GAT (Grid Acceptance Test) at 95% compliance for 800 MHz public safety in-building communications coverage, as is required for new buildings. In some cases, contractors are tearing down all but one exterior wall and rebuilding which has drawn concern from Division of Communications. The BDA helps to maintain quality in-building communications and to prevent “dead zone” areas so emergency public safety personnel can communicate during a response to an emergency situation.
This Act also removes language pertaining to an advisor committee that is no longer needed. The Act also removes the requirement that the Department of Safety and Homeland Security publish a map of buildings with these communication technologies due to safety concerns.
Text versions
Roll-call votes
State vote data last updated Oct 15, 2026, 4:19 PM.
| Date | Vote | Result | Your legislators |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 16, 2026 House | 3/5 | pass | Set your home in Delaware to see |
| May 5, 2026 Senate | SM | pass | Set your home in Delaware to see |
Actions
- Jun 24, 2026
Signed by Governor - Jun 16, 2026 · House
Passed By House. Votes: 37 YES 1 NO 3 ABSENT - May 19, 2026 · House
Reported Out of Committee (Public Safety & Homeland Security) in House with 6 On Its Merits - May 6, 2026 · House
Assigned to Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee in House - May 5, 2026 · Senate
Passed By Senate. Votes: 21 YES - May 5, 2026 · Senate
Amendment SA 1 to SB 259 - Passed By Senate. Votes: 21 YES - Apr 30, 2026 · Senate
Amendment SA 1 to SB 259 - Introduced and Placed With Bill - Apr 22, 2026 · Senate
Reported Out of Committee (Corrections & Public Safety) in Senate with 2 Favorable, 3 On Its Merits - Mar 17, 2026 · Senate
Introduced and Assigned to Corrections & Public Safety Committee in Senate