House approves substitute to limit civil arrests at courthouses and some administrative hearings

Representative Gorman presented House Substitute 1 for HB150, which bars civil arrests inside Delaware courthouses and certain administrative proceedings at the Industrial Accident Board and Department of Labor unless the arresting officer provides advance written notice (name, nature of civil matter, time and location). The sponsor said the substitute is narrowly drawn and does not prevent criminal arrests or arrests under judicial order.

"Courthouses and the offices of justice should be sanctuary spaces for the pursuit of justice," Representative Gorman said, describing instances nationwide that prompted the bill and noting that the federal "sensitive locations" guidance was rescinded in January 2025.

Members questioned why Department of Labor proceedings were included. Representative Yerrick asked whether the scope should extend to other administrative hearings; Representative Gorman said the inclusion was prompted by testimony from trial attorneys and by a 2011 local case where an individual was taken into custody around a workers' compensation proceeding. The sponsor said trial-lawyer groups supported adding Industrial Accident Board proceedings to align protections with courthouse hearings.

Opponents asked whether the bill's narrow scope left other sensitive locations unprotected; the sponsor responded that other bills address other locations and that the substitute's limited approach matched the committee's recommendation.

On roll call the House recorded 25 yes, 13 no and 3 absent; House Substitute 1 for HB150 passed the House and will move to the Senate for consideration.