SB 258 Summary

• Reclassifies numerous environmental violations in Delaware Code from "misdemeanors" to "environmental violations" across hunting, fishing, and wildlife protection laws in Titles 7, 11, and 23.

• Establishes four-tier sentencing structure for environmental violations: Class A environmental misdemeanors, Class B environmental misdemeanors, Class C environmental violations, and Class D environmental violations.

• Increases minimum fines for Class C environmental violations from $50 to $100 and Class D environmental violations from $25 to $50, while removing imprisonment options for first-time Class C and D offenders.

• Provides that first-time Class C and D environmental violation convictions shall not be reported on criminal history records maintained by DELJIS or the State of Delaware, though DNREC retains records for second offense tracking.

• Applies amended provisions to all offenses committed on or after the bill's enactment date, with prior offenses governed by existing law in effect before the amendments.