Delaware bills · 153rd General Assembly (2025-2026)
Delaware SB 49
AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 20 AND TITLE 21 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO DRIVING RESTRICTIONS DURING A STATE OF EMERGENCY.
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became law
Sponsors
- Laura V. Sturgeon (Democratic)
- Richard G. Collins (Republican)
- David L. Wilson (Republican)
- Ray Seigfried (Democratic)
- Bryant L. Richardson (Republican)
- Trey Paradee (Democratic)
- Spiros Mantzavinos (Democratic)
- Josue O Ortega (Democratic)
- Russell Huxtable (Democratic)
- Claire Snyder-Hall (Democratic)
- Stell Parker Selby
- Melanie Ross Levin (Democratic)
- Franklin D. Cooke (Democratic)
- Valerie Jones Giltner (Republican)
- Brian Pettyjohn (Republican)
Summary
Official abstract published by the Delaware legislature· synopsis
In a state of emergency, getting information to the public as quickly as possible is vital to the safety of the community. This Act provides protections to those who provide these essential communication and broadcasting services by deeming them "first informers." Under this Act, first informers are exempt from driving restrictions that the Governor may impose during a state of emergency.
This Act also reorganizes provisions of Chapter 31 of Title 20 for clarity and makes additional technical corrections to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual.
Text versions
Roll-call votes
State vote data last updated Oct 16, 2026, 4:04 AM.
| Date | Vote | Result | Your legislators |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 15, 2025 Senate | SM | pass | Set your home in Delaware to see |
| May 8, 2025 House | SM | pass | Set your home in Delaware to see |
| Apr 10, 2025 Senate | SM | pass | Set your home in Delaware to see |
Actions
- May 22, 2025
Signed by Governor - May 15, 2025 · Senate
Passed By Senate. Votes: 21 YES - May 8, 2025 · House
Passed By House. Votes: 33 YES 8 ABSENT - May 8, 2025 · House
Amendment HA 1 to SB 49 - Passed In House by Voice Vote - May 6, 2025 · House
Reported Out of Committee (Public Safety & Homeland Security) in House with 4 Favorable, 3 On Its Merits - Apr 15, 2025 · House
Assigned to Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee in House - Apr 10, 2025 · Senate
Passed By Senate. Votes: 21 YES - Mar 26, 2025 · Senate
Reported Out of Committee (Environment, Energy & Transportation) in Senate with 3 Favorable, 4 On Its Merits - Jan 23, 2025 · Senate
Introduced and Assigned to Environment, Energy & Transportation Committee in Senate