HB 378 Summary

• Adds Chapter 78 ("Homeless Persons' Bill of Rights") to Delaware Code Title 6, establishing legal protections for homeless persons.

• Prohibits discrimination against homeless individuals in public spaces, employment, housing, shelter access, emergency medical care, and voting based on housing status.

• Grants homeless persons equal rights to use public sidewalks, parks, transportation, and buildings without discrimination, and protection from unlawful disclosure of personal records held by shelters and service providers.

• Defines key terms including "homeless" (covering those in unsuitable housing, facing imminent loss of residence, unstably housed families, and domestic abuse victims), "housing status," "temporary shelter," and "emergency shelter."

• Authorizes civil actions for violations with available remedies including injunctive relief, declaratory relief, actual damages, and reasonable attorneys' fees for prevailing plaintiffs; effective 90 days after enactment.