Governor Meyer Signs Multiple Criminal Justice Reform Bills

DOVER, Del. – Governor Matt Meyer signed three criminal justice reform bills on Wednesday designed to create a fairer justice system in the First State. 

Joined by legislators, advocates, impacted Delawareans, and criminal justice leaders at Legislative Hall, Governor Meyer signed House Bill (HB) 133, HB 145, and Senate Bill (SB) 292. The new laws aim to prevent the criminalization of poverty, protect citizens’ constitutional privacy, and strengthen reentry support for Delawareans returning to their communities, respectively. 

“For too long, our criminal justice system has criminalized poverty, treated privacy as optional, and abandoned people at the exact moment they needed our support the most,” said Governor Meyer. “These bills recognize that public safety and justice go hand in hand in a system that values fairness, dignity, and second chances alongside accountability. That’s how you build a stronger, safer, and more just Delaware.”

HB 133 gives Delaware courts discretion to waive fines and fees, in whole or in part, when circumstances warrant. Additionally, the legislation establishes a process for individuals already sentenced to pay fines or fees to seek relief, and implements recommendations from the Criminal Legal System Imposed Debt Study Group.

HB 145 prohibits law enforcement and courts from requesting, issuing, or enforcing reverse-keyword court orders and requests. An exception is made in limited investigations involving suspected Class A felonies when a search returns five or fewer results. Sponsors of this legislation say it will help ensure government searches remain grounded in individualized suspicion while protecting Delawareans’ constitutional privacy rights.

SB Bill 292, also known as the Grace Peterson Act, requires landlords whose tenants receive state-funded reentry housing assistance to complete a discharge plan before terminating a lease, helping ensure individuals are connected to services before losing housing. The legislation was inspired by Grace Peterson of Seaford, who survived a violent assault in 2023 from a man evicted from his transitional housing without a coordinated handoff to community supervision or support. 

“Our justice system is centered around rehabilitation, and that doesn’t end when they leave prison,” said Rep. Kendra Johnson. “Imagine coming back into society after several years of being away from it, with no money, no housing, and limited resources… SB 292 helps to ensure a smooth transition from incarceration, to re-entry housing, to their next stage in life, without the pain of being left to fend for themselves with no resources.”