House Bill 19 Summary

• Comprehensively revises Delaware's drug offense laws by replacing existing statutes with three main drug crimes: Drug Dealing (manufacture/delivery/possession with intent), Aggravated Possession (possession of quantities indicating drug dealing), and simple Possession.

• Creates five aggravating factors that enhance drug offense severity: proximity to protected school zones (within 300 feet) or parks (within 300 feet), presence in a vehicle, involvement of juveniles, and resisting arrest with force or violence.

• Establishes five-tier quantity thresholds for controlled substances (Tier 1-5) that determine offense classification; defendants with prior qualifying drug convictions within 5 years face enhanced sentencing.

• Repeals mandatory minimum sentences for drug trafficking convictions and reduces penalties for simple possession and marijuana possession; makes first-time drug offenders eligible for diversion programs with community service and drug rehabilitation requirements.

• Changes driver's license suspension for drug convictions from 2-3 years to minimum 6 months, and takes effect five full months after enactment.