A Legislative Session of Impact: YWCA Delaware Advocacy Updates
The Delaware General Assembly wrapped up its legislative session on June 30, and we’re proud to share some powerful updates on YWCA Delaware’s advocacy priorities.
Thanks to collective advocacy and public comment from organizations like YWCA Delaware, several key bills aligned with our mission to eliminate racism and empower women have passed the House and Senate and are now awaiting action from Governor Meyer.
SIGNED INTO LAW
SS1 SB 7 – Probation Reform: This bill eliminates unnecessary barriers to successful re-entry by tailoring probation conditions to the individual, reducing the risk of people on probation being subjected to overly burdensome requirements or rearrested for technical violations.
SS1 SB 17 – Victims' Bill of Rights: This bill updates and strengthens victims’ rights protections, improves notification processes, and includes new protections for individuals with cognitive disabilities and immigrant survivors.
AWAITING THE GOVERNOR’S SIGNATURE
• SB 10 – Compassionate Release: Offers a humane release process for incarcerated individuals facing serious medical issues or who’ve served decades behind bars.
• SB 115 – Eviction Expungement: Helps remove barriers to housing by allowing eligible eviction records to be sealed.
• HB 105 – Pay Transparency: Requires employers to include salary ranges and benefits in job postings.
STILL MOVING FORWARD
• HB 35: Advances a constitutional amendment to abolish the death penalty in Delaware.
• SB 116 – Right of Redemption: Gives tenants a chance to save their homes by paying what’s owed before eviction.
• SB 2 & SB 3 – Set the stage for constitutional amendments allowing early voting and no-excuse absentee voting in Delaware.
At YWCA Delaware, we believe in advocacy that drives lasting change. These outcomes reflect the power of persistent community advocacy, and we’re grateful to our supporters for standing with us every step of the way. Thank you to everyone who lent their voice and energy to this session.
