FY 2026 Budget & Capital Plans
Lawmakers approved a $6.5 billion operating budget (HB 225), investing in key statewide priorities:
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$8 million to launch an Early Literacy Emergency Fund.
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$3.2 million to ensure every Delaware student can receive a free breakfast.
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Over $85 million dedicated to offset inflationary costs and rising statewide Medicaid service needs.
Additionally, a $37 million supplemental budget (HB 226) was passed to address one-time needs, while the Bond Bill (capital budget) secured $977 million for major projects, including:
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$211.2 million for K-12 construction and improvement projects, with significant funding directed to districts like Appoquinimink, Colonial, and Christina.
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$42.2 million for critical maintenance at correctional facilities.
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$19 million for the Affordable Rental Housing Program to boost housing access.
Energy & Climate Action
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Energy Fund & Bill Assistance (HB 50): Established a dedicated fund to expand utility bill assistance for low-income households and invest in sustainable energy solutions.
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Senate Bill 159: Advanced U.S. Wind’s offshore wind project (250+ MW) by requiring permits for substations, reversing Sussex County’s earlier denial. This move reignited debate over local versus state energy authority.
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Senate Joint Resolution 3: Launched a pilot program to explore and deploy battery storage systems across Delaware, laying groundwork for a more resilient energy grid.
Government Accountability
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Office of Inspector General (SB 4 / SS1 for SB 21): Delaware will establish an independent, nonpartisan Office of Inspector General tasked with investigating fraud, waste, and corruption within state agencies.
Criminal Justice Reform
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Death Penalty Abolition (HB 35 / HS 1): Delaware took a major step toward permanently abolishing the death penalty by advancing a constitutional amendment through the first required reading cycle. A second legislative approval will be needed to finalize this historic change.
Looking Ahead
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The death penalty amendment must be approved again in the next session to become part of the state constitution.
- Lawmakers will continue to watch reserve fund health closely to ensure long-term budget sustainability.
If you’d like more information about these bills, detailed vote counts, or what to expect in year two of the session, please let us know!
The 151st Delaware General Assembly has come to a close. Lawmakers adopted the state’s largest ever operating budget to the tune of $5.1 billion. The spending bill makes significant investments in public schools and includes pay raises for state employees. Governor Carney also signed a $378.6 million-dollar one-time appropriation that will fund paid family and medical leave and the Library Connection Program, among others.