2025-2026 Session in Review

Delaware’s 153rd General Assembly officially ended at 5am on July 1st. 

Like any other session, there were disappointments. Legislators flipped their votes on the redefinition of marriage amendment (SB 100), allowing it to pass. A bill to protect victims of child abuse – a top priority bill for many Delawareans – failed to pass.

However, there were also tremendous victories. Major bills that were of great concern this session were defeated!

Scripture reminds us, “The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will.”(Proverbs 21:1) Regardless of the status of any bill, we can rest in the confidence that the Lord remains sovereign over every vote, every legislator, and every outcome.

Three Major Bills Officially Defeated

SB 5 – Constitutional “Reproductive Freedom”

SB 5 sought to enshrine abortion, sterilization, contraception, and other so-called “reproductive freedoms” into Delaware’s Constitution under incredibly broad language prohibiting those rights from being “burdened, denied, or infringed upon.”

We warned that this language would make it increasingly difficult for the legislature to pass any restrictions on abortion, even restrictions meant to protect mothers. 

Although SB 5 appeared on yesterday’s House agenda, it was never brought to the Floor for a vote.

With the close of this General Assembly, SB 5 is officially dead. Praise the Lord! 🙌🏾

HB 14 – Constitutional Right to Privacy

HB 14 proposed adding a broad constitutional “right to privacy” to Delaware’s Constitution—the same constitutional concept that formed the foundation of Roe v. Wade.

Beyond abortion, the amendment carried significant implications for future public policy and constitutional litigation.

Although it appeared on the Special Session agenda, HB 14 was never heard.

It, too, is now dead!

HB 272 – Restrictions on Pro-Life Advocacy

HB 272 was a bill that, in its original form, was a significant violation of free speech. We monitored this bill closely and testified throughout session that its vague language could be weaponized against peaceful pro-life advocates who pray, counsel, and offer hope outside abortion centers.

In direct response to constituent concerns, HB 272 was amended, diluting some of its original negative effect. Still, the free speech violation concern was not eliminated.

Unlike the constitutional amendments, this bill required only a simple majority and was widely expected to pass the Senate. Yet it never even reached the Senate Floor before adjournment! Whoa!

Once again, we are reminded that no vote happens outside the providence of God.

As Psalm 115:3 declares,

“Our God is in the heavens; He does all that He pleases.”

A Sobering Outcome for HB 75

The Senate also considered HB 75, legislation intended to provide greater opportunities for survivors of child sexual abuse to seek justice.

Unfortunately, the Senate adopted an amendment that substantially weakened the bill, stripping away much of what made it meaningful for victims. Although the amended version passed the Senate, the House declined to accept legislation that no longer accomplished its intended purpose.

As a result, HB 75 also failed.

Bills May Die. Ideas Do Not.

The end of a two-year General Assembly brings a unique sense of finality. Bills that failed to cross the finish line before July 1 are officially gone.

But ideas rarely die.

Many of the proposals we opposed this year will almost certainly return in some form. Likewise, many of the good bills we supported deserve renewed advocacy and stronger support.

The upcoming election will also reshape Legislative Hall.

Every House seat and eleven Senate seats will be on the ballot. Several legislators are retiring or seeking other offices, meaning the General Assembly that convenes next January will look different than the one that adjourned yesterday.

The faces may change.

The issues almost certainly will not.

Our Responsibility is Faithfulness

Our work has never been merely about defeating bad bills or passing good ones. Our work is about bearing faithful witness to God’s truth in the public square. Whether legislation succeeds or fails, our calling remains the same.

Our responsibility is faithfulness, because our labor in the Lord is never wasted.

That is why Scripture encourages us:

“Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” — Galatians 6:9

And again, after proclaiming Christ’s victory over death, Paul leaves believers with this charge:

“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” — 1 Corinthians 15:58

We do not labor because we are guaranteed political victories.

We labor because Christ is already King. Period. And we remain faithful because He is faithful; no act of obedience offered to Him is ever wasted.

The Work Ahead

The months between legislative sessions are not an offseason. They are an opportunity.

Now is the time to build relationships with legislators and candidates.

Now is the time to deepen your understanding of the issues.

Now is the time to equip your church and your family.

Now is the time to pray—not because prayer is all we can do, but because it is the most important thing we can do.

Throughout Scripture, God’s people prepared long before the moment of battle ever arrived. 

We should do the same.

Thank you for every email you sent, every phone call you made, every hearing you attended, every prayer you prayed, and every conversation you had this legislative session. We have repeatedly heard legislators acknowledge that they heard from their constituents. God has used the faithful witness of ordinary believers to make an extraordinary impact.

As we prepare for the next General Assembly, I want to encourage you to take one intentional step.

Stay engaged. Continue reading our updates and staying engaged with us. Pray regularly for your elected officials by name as well as the candidates that may be taking their place.

Reach out to your legislators before the next session begins—not simply when you disagree with a vote, but to build genuine relationships rooted in truth and grace.

And if you have never attended our annual Summit, make this the year you join us. The Summit exists to equip believers to think biblically, engage faithfully, and stand courageously in every sphere of life. The next legislative session begins long before legislators return to Dover, and the work of preparing begins with us.