HB 97: AN ACT TO AMEND TITLES 14 AND 31 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS, AND SALARY SUPPLEMENTS.

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

This Act ensures that a public school employee may not work directly with students unsupervised without a valid permit or license issued by the DOE’s Professional Standards Boards or an approved license issued under Title 24. To that end, this Act creates a new permit requirement for any paraprofessional or student support and classroom position, including specialist interns, year-long residents, full time substitute teachers, substitute teachers seeking certification, student teachers, and classroom aides. The following employees are exempt from the permitting and licensing requirements: non-instructional administrators; nutrition staff; custodial staff; transportation staff; clerical staff; charter school heads exempt under § 507(c) of Title 14; and substitute teachers seriving for less than 12 consecutive weeks in a school. The same laws, procedures, penalties, and safeguards that apply to the issuance, suspension, and revocation of a license under Chapter 12 of Title 14, will apply to a permit. The DOE may require reimbursement of any funds disbursed to district or charter schools for an employee without a license or permit, who holds a position requiring a license or permit. The DOE may also require reimbursement for an employee that is working under an expired license or permit. Finally, this Act increases the maximum supplement amount an employee may earn for accepting additional responsibility assignments that impact student achievement. The supplement may be no more than $5,000, rather than $1,500. It also directs the Department to update the Department of Education PHRST code manual so that the position codes align to titles of positions that are currently used by educators, and outdated codes are deleted. The new system codes must be in effect by the start of the 2026-2027 school year. This Act also makes technical corrections to conform existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 13 · Republican 1

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. September 2, 2025Signed by Governor
2. June 26, 2025Passed By Senate. Votes: 21 YES
3. May 15, 2025Reported Out of Committee (Education) in Senate with 4 On Its Merits
4. May 6, 2025Assigned to Education Committee in Senate
5. May 6, 2025Passed By House. Votes: 30 YES 2 NOT VOTING 9 ABSENT
6. May 6, 2025Amendment HA 1 to HB 97 - Passed In House by Voice Vote
7. April 9, 2025Reported Out of Committee (Education) in House with 1 Favorable, 10 On Its Merits
8. April 8, 2025Amendment HA 1 to HB 97 - Introduced and Placed With Bill
9. March 27, 2025Introduced and Assigned to Education Committee in House