Delaware · 153rd General Assembly (2025-2026) · Bill
SB 118: AN ACT TO AMEND CHAPTER 472, VOLUME 83 OF THE LAWS OF DELAWARE RELATING TO CIVIL ACTIONS FOR TORTIOUS INJURIES, INCLUDING DEATH, TO LAWFULLY OWNED PETS.
Enacted Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
SB 118 is a bill introduced in the Delaware Senate on May 1, 2025. According to its official title, it concerns: AN ACT TO AMEND CHAPTER 472, VOLUME 83 OF THE LAWS OF DELAWARE RELATING TO CIVIL ACTIONS FOR TORTIOUS INJURIES, INCLUDING DEATH, TO LAWFULLY OWNED PETS. Primary sponsor: Brian Pettyjohn (Republican), Danny Short (Republican). It lists 3 additional sponsors. Most recent recorded action (August 20, 2025): Signed by Governor.
Generated automatically from the official title, sponsor list, and status record only. It does not characterize the bill’s purpose or effects. How summaries are written
Official summary
Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.
In the 151st General Assembly, SS1 to SB 258 was passed, which permitted pet owners to pursue compensatory damages without limitation for veterinary bills incurred to care for a pet that was injured by the negligence, reckless, or intentional acts of another individual or that individual's pet. This act removes a sunset provision that would have these changes expire on October 14, 2025.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 2 · Republican 3
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brian Pettyjohn | Primary sponsor | Republican | Senate | 19 |
| Danny Short | Primary sponsor | Republican | House | 39 |
| Stephanie Hansen | Co-sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 10 |
| Gerald Hocker | Co-sponsor | Republican | Senate | 20 |
| Kim Williams | Co-sponsor | Democratic | House | 19 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- Signed by Governor
- Passed By House. Votes: 37 YES 3 ABSENT 1 VACANT
- Reported Out of Committee (Judiciary) in House with 10 On Its Merits
- Assigned to Judiciary Committee in House
- Passed By Senate. Votes: 18 YES 3 ABSENT
- Reported Out of Committee (Judiciary) in Senate with 4 On Its Merits
- Introduced and Assigned to Judiciary Committee in Senate